‘Pursuit of truth should be within bounds of Constitution’

Archbishop of Manila Gaudencio Rosales called on the people yesterday to pursue the truth on allegations against government officials within the bounds of the Constitution and the law.

In a pastoral letter, "The Unity We Need" read during Mass in Catholic churches within the Archdiocese of Manila yesterday, Rosales said any action outside the Constitution and the legal system will "pave the way for graver instability" to the detriment of the Filipino people.

"Serious charges have been made against our leaders and officials," he said.

"Despite expressions of regret, many remain angry, confused, hurt. In this situation, as your shepherd and pastor, I wish to call to mind fundamental principles that should govern our search for solutions to our present crisis."

Rosales also warned against any solution to the present political crisis that could lead to violence.

"Any proposed solution to our present situation that relies on or leads to violence is unacceptable," he said. "Violence harms the innocent and inflicts wounds so deep that will take generations to heal."

Rosales also called on the nation’s leaders to give hope to the people by giving immediate attention to real reforms.

"Political systems that are prone to corruption must be swiftly and decisively reformed, and institutions built that can effectively respond to the aspirations of our people for a better life," he said.

Rosales also said justice must be upheld despite President Arroyo’s appeal to the people for forgiveness following her admission that she was the woman talking with an election official on a controversial audio recording.

"Let us remember that the offended cannot simply be consoled by expressions of regret," he said. "Forgiveness does not eliminate the need for justice, nor should it block the search for truth. Genuine forgiveness demands more than an apology, and those who seek forgiveness should be ready to be called for accountability."

Rosales also cautioned the people against being swayed by emotions and "quick-fix" solutions to the present political crisis.

"Let true lovers of the Filipino people come together to discern carefully before God, what is truly for the immediate and long-run good of the country," he said.

"Let us not fall easy prey to those self-seeking politicians from all the different political parties, who have held the country’s future hostage to their own ambitions, and have brought us to where we sadly find ourselves today."

Earlier, the Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya, a coalition led by Catholic bishops, called on Mrs. Arroyo to step down or risk facing a revolution.

"There will be chaos," said Bishop Emeritus Julio Xavier Labayen of Infanta, Quezon, a leader of the group.

"We should not just let GMA step down. We must have new guidelines to arrive at peace and political agreement. Kung hindi magabayan ito sa isang paraan na magdudulot ng kasiyahan sa taong bayan, maaring maging madugo ito. (If this will not be achieved in a way that will be to the people’s satisfaction, it may turn bloody). "This government has turned itself away from the people. It has lost moral and legal authority. It has cheated its way to power and violated the most basic of people’s rights. It must step down to avert the imminent bloody confrontation growing out of people’s sufferings caused and exacerbated by years of destructive policies and government exactions."