Archbishop Soc Villegas says it鈥檚 a `sin鈥� to delay the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. File photo Roy Lagarde
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� 鈥淭o delay the trial or even to abort it is to suppress the TRUTH. It is a sin. The opponent, the devil, is rightly called Prince of Lies.鈥� This is what Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said on Monday.
Villegas joined the growing public clamor to observe the Constitutional process of proceeding with the
Villegas emphasized that concealing the truth is a sin. He also offered three bible verses:聽鈥淐hrist is the TRUTH (John 14:6). The Lord is the God of Justice (Isaiah 30:19). His will is our fullness of life (John 10:10).鈥�
鈥淚t is a sin to suppress or conceal the truth. The nation has a right to the truth that can only be established by law and evidence. To deprive the people of the full truth is a form of robbery. It is keeping something not yours. It is a sin,鈥� he wrote in a Facebook post.
READ: Escudero to those rushing Sara Duterte trial: 鈥業 won鈥檛 listen to them鈥�
Senate President Francis Escudero has set for June 11 the presentation of Articles of Impeachment. It was originally scheduled for June 2, after Escudero explained that the schedule change was made 鈥渢o allow the Senate to tackle priority legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns.鈥�
Escudero on Monday said that he would not listen to calls in rushing the Senate to abide by their Constitutional duty to start the trial. He said that he will 鈥渄o what is right, proper, and in accordance with the Constitution and the law.鈥�
Villegas further noted that delaying the process to pursue the truth 鈥渟macks negligence and laziness.鈥�
鈥淣ot to pursue the truth when you have the capacity to know it FORTHWITH is a grave sin of omission. It is morally unacceptable,鈥� he said.
Villegas also echoed the sentiments of the framers of the 1987 Constitution for the Senate to convene the impeachment court and start the trial, adding that the trial by the Senate is a 鈥渄emand of justice鈥� and 鈥渕ust continue to a just verdict.鈥�
Lastly, Villegas slammed procrastination that contributes to neglect of responsibilities.
鈥淧rocrastination is a form of laziness which leads to neglect of responsibilities, tasks, or opportunities, which can be interpreted as a lack of diligence or commitment. The nation deserves better than such officials,鈥� he added.
Several universities and civil society organizations have also called on the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial. This includes a prayer vigil, led by Tindig Pilipinas, which is scheduled from June 9 to June 11./mr