Romer Butuyan 
DALAWA pang prominenteng religious congregations ang umapela sa Senado na huwag ipagpaliban at agad na aksyunan ang Articles of Impeachment na isinumite ng Kamara laban sa pangalawang pangulo.
Naghayag din ang Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) at Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) ng pagkabahala sa biglaang pagpapalit ng Senate leadership at biglang paglutang ni Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa sa plenaryo.
Hinimok din ng IFI at ECP ang kani-kanilang mga kasapi, at iba pang mamamayan ng bansa na mag-alay ng panalangin at maging mapagmatyag sa mga kaganapan.
“Recent developments and sudden changes in Senate leadership have unsettled many of our people, giving rise to a growing and understandable concern that these moves may be intended to weaken accountability processes or shield public officials from scrutiny,” saad sa IFI manifesto na pirmado ni Obispo Maximo Most Rev. Joel Porlares.
“Many now sincerely ask why the Senate appears to be acting in ways that could derail the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President while at the same time offering shelter to a fellow Senator facing possible legal accountability.” ani Porlares.
“We call upon all government officials to remember that authority is exercised under the higher demands of justice, truth, and accountability—before both the people and God. Leadership requires moral courage, especially when it is difficult or politically costly,” sambit din ng IFI head.
Sa kalatas ng ECP na nilagdaan ng Prime Bishop nito na si Rev. Nestor Poltic, hindi anila dapat magsilbing kanlungan o kalasag ng mga personalidad o kaalyado nito sa pulitika ang senado. Para sa ECP leader, dapat maging tagapagtaguyod ng katotohanan, katarungan at mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng batas ang mataas na kapulungan.
“When institutions entrusted with accountability begin to appear as barriers to it, the moral credibility of governance is eroded. We therefore earnestly call upon the Senate to carry out its constitutional duties with integrity, transparency, and courage. The impeachment process must proceed according to law and due process, free from political maneuvering or deliberate obstruction,” ani Poltic.
“At a time when the nation calls for sober leadership, integrity, and fidelity to democratic processes, sudden political maneuverings within the Senate only deepen uncertainty and erode confidence in governance,” hirit pa ng ECP leader.
“The Senate bears a solemn constitutional duty to uphold impartiality, due process, and the rule of law. Any act that undermines these responsibilities weakens the democratic foundations upon which our nation stands.”
“In this challenging time, “we pray that Almighty God will grant wisdom to our nation’s leaders, strengthen our democratic institutions, and guide our country toward peace, justice, and unity,” pagtatapos ni Poltic.
