A Catholic bishop has joined calls for the dismissal of an impeachment complaint against Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, national director of Caritas Philippines, called on legislators to dismiss the impeachment complaint, “which clearly has no merit,” against Justice Leonen.
The prelate said legislators have more important issues to address than the removal from office of an official of the judiciary.
Bishop Bagaforo said Congress should instead focus on legislations that will improve the lives of farmers, lessen climate vulnerability and risks, and strengthen the economy.
He said that during the pandemic in the last nine months “poverty has worsened” in the country. “Government’s inability to act prudently has a lot to do with it,” said the bishop.
Father Antonio Labiao Jr., executive secretary of Caritas Philippines, also said that the impeachment case filed against Justice Leonen has far less significance to the people.
“The House leadership needs to be prudent,” said the priest, adding that legislators should know “what really matters to the Filipino people at this time.”
“I believe that the impeachment (against the Supreme Court Justice) is not among them,” said Father Labiao.
He said more than 3.4 million Filipinos were affected by the series of typhoons and floods in recent weeks. “They are what matters,” said the priest.
An impeachment complaint has been filed against Justice Leonen last week allegedly for “culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust” when he allegedly failed to dispose of at least 37 cases in 24 months.
The complainants said the Supreme Court Justice showed “gross inefficiency as shown by the snail pace in which he resolves his cases.”
Justice Leonen expressed confidence that the complaint does not merit the attention of legislators.
“Given the urgent and pressing needs of our people during this time of crisis, we are confident that our leaders will do the right thing,” he said in a statement.
Bishop Bagaforo said that “while we demand from our government officials’ accountability, integrity and service of the highest standards, and that complaints against misconduct must be surfaced and acted upon, the aspiration for justice must only be used with pure intentions.”
Source: Licas Philippines
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