Commentary

‘Peace demands accountability’

People's organizations, social movements, religious leaders gather at Mass at Edsa Shrine

The concelebrated 'Misa ng Sambayanan May Kapayapaan Kung May Pananagutan'

Over a thousand people from people’s organizations, social movements, sectoral formations, and religious leaders gather in ‘Misa ng Sambayanan: May Kapayapaan Kung May Pananagutan’ at the Edsa Shrine, Quezon City, on Thursday, Jan.16, 2024, to demand accountability from public officials and back impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. (Photo courtesy of Tindig Pilipinas)

In a demonstration of unity and resolve, various people’s organizations, social movements, sectoral formations, and religious leaders gathered Thursday, January 16, at the EDSA Shrine Church for the Misa ng Sambayanan: May Kapayapaan kung May Pananagutan.

The Mass served as a platform for reflection, prayer, and a collective call for the accountability of government, in light of the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Participants wore white and black shirts and peach ribbons, symbolizing their commitment to the pursuit of the impeachment process, and their desire for transparency and justice in governance.

The Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Flavie L. Villanueva, SVD, Fr. Joel Sarabia, CM, Fr. Joel Sabala, and Fr. Robert Reyes.

Leading the gathering were Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña, endorser of the first impeachment complaint; ML Partylist’s first nominee and former senator Leila de Lima, spokesperson for the complainants of the first impeachment rap;  representatives from the third impeachment complaint, Magdalo Partylist leaders; former Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles; and Francis “Kiko” Aquino Dee, grandson of the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Sr. Their collective presence demonstrated the broad and diverse support for accountability and good governance.

“There is no peace without justice and no justice without accountability,” said Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña.

Former senator Leila de Lima stressed the moral and constitutional imperative of the moment: “Impunity thrives in silence and inaction. Without transparency, there can be no trust.”

Fr. Joel Sarabia, CM, representative of the third impeachment complaint, reminded the House of Representatives of its duty: “The Constitution obligates Congress to act with urgency and fairness. Delaying the process betrays public trust and tolerates alleged abuses. Legislators must honor their oath and put the nation’s interest first.”

 

The event concluded with an emphatic call for the House leadership to prioritize the impeachment complaints, ensuring a transparent and just process that reflects the people’s will. Organizers and participants alike affirmed that peace, justice, and transparency are inextricably linked, and that only by addressing these issues can the Filipino people find true stability and trust in their government.

“Ang kapayapaan at pananagutan ay magkaugnay. Kung walang katarungan at katapatan, hindi magkakaroon ng tunay na kapayapaan. Ang panawagan ng sambayanan ay simple: isang gobyernong tapat, responsable, at makatao,” said Kiko Dee, complainant to the first impeachment complaint.


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