Manila: A former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has openly criticized the Senate following the abrupt change in its leadership, which saw Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano replacing Senator Tito Sotto III.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas expressed his disapproval through a pastoral letter, labeling the leadership change as "obscene." Villegas questioned the integrity of those involved in the move, stating, "It is obscene. It is unbelievable that men and women called 'honorable' could do such a brazen exercise of power."

The archbishop went on to describe the situation as "confusing," "pathetic," and "shameless," questioning how public service had reached such a low point. Villegas suggested that the actions in the Senate were a strategic move to delay the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. He likened the leadership change to "graffiti on the wall," indicating a plan to stall the trial for personal interests rather than the country's benefit.

Furthermore, Villegas expressed concern that the new Senate leadership could be used to protect Senator Ronald dela Rosa from arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC). "The Senate is now used as a shield for a suspect-at-large with a valid warrant of arrest from a lawful court," he remarked.

The leadership change occurred last Monday when Cayetano was elected as the head of the Senate, securing 13 votes to unseat Senator Tito Sotto. In response to these developments, Villegas urged the public to advocate for political reform. He encouraged citizens to use all legal means to press for change, emphasizing the importance of perseverance alongside prayer and protest.

Villegas also called on individuals to reject corrupt officials in upcoming elections, urging voters to review and evaluate the records of those in public service. Meanwhile, the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Interreligious Dialogue advised the public to remain calm and discerning amid the political turmoil.

Bishop Colin Bagaforo, chairperson of the commission, emphasized the need for enlightenment, wisdom, and restraint among leaders and institutions. He urged the nation's leaders to prioritize the common good over personal and partisan interests, warning against violence, intimidation, and anarchy in a democratic society.