CBCP wants ICI transparency, warns vs cover-up

Bishops frown on Senate leadership change

- EVELYN MACAIRAN

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has stepped into the flood control scandal, calling on all public officials to uphold the integrity of the probes being conducted by both the Senate and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

In a strongly worded statement released yesterday, the CBCP, led by its president Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David of Kalookan, said the people are watching the probes closely, and “any move to change Senate leadership or redirect investigations now would only heighten public suspicion of a cover-up.”

“We urge both Congress and Malacañang to prove that they serve the common good, not partisan power. Let the truth flow freely. Let the ICI do its work - thoroughly, transparently and without fear or favor,” the CBCP said.

The bishops said they “strongly oppose any attempt to preempt or derail the investigation through backroom deals, leadership takeovers or selective justice.”

“The Independent Commission on Infrastructure was created precisely to restore public trust. It must be empowered to investigate fully and freely, without political interference from any branch of government,” the CBCP added.