Senator-Judge Ralph Recto led the opening prayer on the 40th day of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, asking for wisdom in search for truth as the chief magistrate testified in his own trial on Tuesday.
The complete text of Recto's opening prayer:
"We seek Your blessing, O Lord, so today we will only hear: The facts not the fable; The truth not the trickery; The authentic, not the alibis.
"We ask You, Heavenly Father, to enlighten those who will speak here today, so they will: Impress us with their honesty, and not indulge us with their evasion; Gain our respect with their candor, and not lose it through their excuses; Clarify our doubts, instead of adding to our confusion.
"We beseech You, Dear God, to guide those who sit in judgement today, so we will: Be curious without being caustic; Be inquisitive without being insulting; Be probing without being hurtful.
"We plead to You, Our Master, to grant the bigger jury out there with the wisdom so they will be able: To witness the proceedings with kindness in their hearts, and fairness on their minds; To erase their biases and embrace the thought that judgement should be put on hold until the accused has been heard; To know the important from the immaterial; To discern the substantial from the subterfuge.
"Guide us as we search for the truth. And when, with Your grace, we find it, then be assured: The truth shall not make us mad. The truth shall not make us miserable. The truth shall set us free."
All the 23 senators, led by Senate President and Presiding Judge Juan Ponce Enrile, attended the resumption of trial as everybody awaited to hear the explanation of Corona on the allegations that he amassed 82 dollar accounts in five banks amounting to US$ 10 million.
Corona has been given enough leeway to express his feelings in almost two-hour opening statement where the chief justice became emotional on the accusation that he stole public funds.
"I did not steal government's money. I have no sin against the Filipino people," Corona said.
Corona also detailed the long overdue squabble among the family of his wife, the Basa and Guidote.
No comments:
Post a Comment