Clergy holds ‘Mass for Truth’ ahead of VP Sara impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines — Church leaders from the Clergy for Good Governance offered a Mass for House prosecutors on Thursday, challenging them to pursue the impeachment case against VP Sara Duterte with courage and fidelity to the truth.

In a statement, the group explained that the Mass was held to show solidarity with the prosecution team before the July 6 Duterte impeachment trial begins.

The Mass was held at 9 a.m. at the Chapel of the Nativity of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao, Quezon City. It was attended by Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, the lead prosecutors, along with five other House prosecutors — Joel Chua, Leila de Lima, Lorenz Defensor, Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao, and Ysabel Maria “Bel” Zamora.

READ: Gatchalian: Impeachment court all set for Sara Duterte trial on July 6

Private prosecutors, including veteran lawyer Lorna Kapunan, joined them.

Fr. Bong Sarabia, CM, served as main celebrant, while Msgr. Mel David of Parañaque delivered the homily.

Leading the Mass were priest-complainants Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, Fr. Bong Sarabia, CM, Fr. Robert Reyes, and Fr. Joel Saballa, together with concelebrators Fr. Niño Etulle, SCJ, Fr. Choi Gliponeo, Fr. Raul “Puti” Enriquez, and Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ.

READ: Sara Duterte impeachment trial: Prosecutors seek leeway to show evidence

In his homily, David framed the July 6 trial as a moment of national reckoning.

“The Filipino people are looking up to July 6 as an opportunity for the whole Filipino people to rise up and walk,” David said.

Addressing the public and private prosecutors, David said their task went beyond courtroom argument, as they carried the burden of helping the public find the truth after years of frustration over the misuse of funds, questionable budget practices, and patronage-driven anti-poverty programs.

READ: Sara Duterte impeachment trial: One article enough to convict VP, says Chua

David cited the Catholic bishops’ warning on “the scandalous misuse of public funds and resources,” as well as “questionable insertions, cuts, and adjustments in the national budget,” which he said remained clear to the Filipino people.

He likened the prosecutors’ role to “clearing murky water so that the hidden truth could finally be seen.”

“Dig deep so that truth will finally come out and be seen by the Filipino people,” David said in Filipino.

“You have to take courage, not from human society, but from God. You need wisdom that is not mastered by the knowledge you have, but rather by the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” he added.

READ: Gatchalian: VP tax docs may not be first in Sara Duterte impeachment agenda

David also expressed hope that a clear and truthful presentation of evidence would move senator-judges to decide according to truth.

“In presenting the truth, I do believe many of our senator-judges will finally be convinced and vote for the truth,” David said. /atm

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.