Romer Butuyan 
NANAWAGAN ng pagkakaisa si Archbishop of Cebu Alberto Uy para isulong ang accountability, due process at kapakanan ng bayan sa napipitong pag-arangkada ng impeachment trial laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte.
Sa isang pastoral statement na may titulong “A Pastoral Appeal to the Filipino People in a Time of National Tension,” binigyan-diin ni Uy na hindi angkap nanaig ang political division, fake news at disinformation na aniya’y sumisira sa prinsipyong gabay sa buhay ng taumbayan.
“Despite our differences, there are important principles that should unite us as one people. First, we all desire an end to corruption,” giit ng Cebu catholic church leader.
“We long for honesty, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The resources of our nation must serve the people, especially the poor, and not selfish interests,” dagdag niya.
Punto pa ng archbishop, dapat manaig at umiral ang accountability o pananagutan sa lahat ng public officials na inaakusahan ng maling gawain, kesehodang kaalyado, kaanak o impluwensya.
“Second, we believe that anyone accused of corruption or misuse of public funds should be properly investigated and, if proven guilty, should face the proper consequences, regardless of power, wealth, or political and blood affiliation,” ayon pa kay Uy.
Kasabay nito, sinabi ni Uy na ang constitutional process ay dapat manatiling patas, naaayon sa bata at may respeto sa karapatan ng akusado.
“Third, we also believe in fairness and due process. Every accused person must be given the opportunity to defend himself or herself according to the law and within a just process,” aniya pa.
Nadaragdagan pa umano ang pag-aalala ng publiko kapag nakikitang hindi pantay ang paggawad ng hustisyang walang kinikilalang estado.
“The tension arises when people begin to feel that justice is not being applied equally. Some ask why certain personalities are pursued quickly while others, especially those allegedly involved in the flood-control anomalies, seem not to be investigated with the same urgency,” sabi niya.
“Whether these perceptions are accurate or not, our people need reassurance that justice is fair, impartial, and not selective,” dugtong ni Uy.
Hinimok din ni Uy ang mga kapwa church leaders na maghayag ng malinaw na posisyon at matapang na pagtatanggol sa katotohanan, hustisya at kabutihan sa panahong nahaharap ang bansa sa panibagong suliraning pampulitika.
“At the same time, as a member of the CBCP, I also humbly appeal to my brother bishops that we continue speaking clearly and courageously in defense of truth, justice, accountability, and the common good. We should be just as strong in urging a swift and credible investigation into the flood-control anomalies as we are in calling for the proper constitutional process regarding the impeachment case,” saad pa niya.
“In moments like this, we must be careful not to allow anger, hatred, mockery, and political fanaticism to take over our hearts. If we lose our capacity to listen, reflect, and respect one another, our nation will suffer even more.”
Hinimok din ng obispo ang publiko na mahalin ang bansa ng buong katapatan at may pananagutan sa halip na maging bulag na tagasunod ng political personalities.
“My dear brothers and sisters, this is not the time for hatred. This is not the time for blind loyalty to politicians. This is the time to love our country honestly, prayerfully, and responsibly.”
