“Instead of a homily, members of the Clergy for Good Governance will read parts of the statement we prepared for today’s gathering. In the last 39 years, we have witnessed several crossroads. The Philippines again is at another crossroad. Either way, we don’t know what will happen to our country. Since EDSA in 1986, our hope has gone up, has gone down, has been strengthened, has been weakened. We keep asking ourselves, what have we done? What have we not done? What should we have done? We still ask the same questions today.

But then we have a deeper conviction that no matter how it seems that our fa actions were insufficient and may seem to be even lacking, the Holy Spirit will never abandon us. We hold on to faith. We hold on to hope during this jubilee of hope which our past pope and the present pope encourages all of us never to lose. Never lose hope because the Lord of hope is always with us.”

…

“The impeachment trial is a moral obligation. The article of impeachment have been transmitted. The constitution clearly states the Senate shall forth proceed to hear the case. This is not a political game. It is a test of conscience and fidelity to the role of law.

We strongly condemn the unconstitutional remanding of the impeachment complaint to the House of Representative a co-equal body. This action defies the constitution, disrupts the sacred balance of power vital to functioning democracy. To delay is to disregard the people. To remain silent is to to side with injustice. We say with righteous indignation rooted in prayer and love for country.

Justice delayed is justice denied. The common good requires transparency and truth. Public office is a public trust. Accountability is a moral duty. Bandila at Candila, a nation in prayer. Today we raise the banda, a symbol of our love for our country. We light the candela, a sign of prayer, discernment, and hope. Together they bear witness to our desire for a nation renewed in truth, justice, and peace. Together in prayer, make us bold in truth, gentle in love, firm in justice, faithful in hope.”