The Association of Major Religious Superiors of Women in the Philippines (AMRSWP) recently released a statement entitled “A Call to Moral Integrity, Transparency and Accountability in Governance.
“Last February 9, 2012 the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the Senate acting as an Impeachment Court, preventing the Senate Court to secure the foreign currency accounts owned by Chief Justice Renato C. Corona, citing RA 6426, section 8.
“This issuance of the Temporary Restraining Order by the Supreme Court is indeed disappointing since the Impeachment Trial is an invaluable political process to restore, renew and strengthen the integrity, transparency and accountability of the Judiciary and Philippine governance. It is even more disappointing that 13 Senators voted to obey it because this means acknowledging the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court over them but it is clear in the Constitution that the Senate Court is supreme in matters regarding impeachment. And the only question they should have asked themselves before voting was: “Will the TRO serve to discover the TRUTH or will it hinder it?â€Â The answer is obvious.
 “Chief Justice Corona says that he will open his foreign account in due time. Our question is, if he is not hiding anything, why can it not be opened now? Instead, Chief Justice Corona remains steadfast and adamant in his relentless drive to declare the Impeachment Trial as unconstitutional and a violation of his human rights. And to challenge and question the Senate Court and the entire impeachment process, Chief Justice Corona continually seeks refuge in the Supreme Court for protection and solace. This is against decency and  “delicadeza†because he is asking this of Justices who are under him.
“The Association of Major Religious Superiors of Women in the Philippines (AMRSWP), a gathering of 275 Â women religious congregations in the Philippines strongly believes the impeachment proceedings will strengthen the foundations of democratic governance in the Philippines.
 “The impeachment trial against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona is not a battle against two warring government bodies, the Judiciary and the Executive. Nor is the Impeachment Trial a personal contest between two powerful politicians – Chief Justice Renato Corona and President Benigno Aquino III.
 “The Impeachment Process is a political process to protect the integrity, transparency and accountability of a democratic government. Essentially, this impeachment trial will decide on the integrity, transparency and accountability of Supreme Count Chief Justice Corona.Â
 “We therefore implore Chief Justice Renato Corona to listen to the stirrings of truth, justice and respect the Senate Court and the impeachment proceedings.
 “We also urge the Senate Judges to remain steadfast in their duty and to assert their sovereignty in the pursuit of the TRUTH.
 “Each and every Filipino citizen is asked to act with integrity, to maintain a sense of decency and honesty, and to be held accountable for actions which have grave ramifications on the common good.
 “We ask no less of a Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.”
ASSOCATION OF MAJOR RELIGIOUS SUPERIORS OF WOMEN IN THE PHILIPPINES (AMRSWP), February 17, 2012
St. Teresa of Avila Building #28 Acacia Street, New Manila Quezon City, PHILIPPINES Phone: 724-44-34 / 448-56-44 Fax: 725-34-78
 Email: amrspsec@yahoo.com; Website: www.amrsp.org
 (Photo credit: www.amrsp.org)