Fr. Soc: “Love, kindness to those who charged me falsely”
AFTER Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas received the news that the complaint against him was dismissed, he had this to say to those who charged and asked that he be cited for sedition: “Peace Be With You. I return love and kindness to those who charged me falsely. My revenge is forgiveness for my slanderers who relentlessly mock me. Seek good and not evil.”
The Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed last week the sedition complaint filed by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group against him, three other bishops and 32 other respondents.
Villegas said he prays “for those who concocted the calumnies and lies and wish them “Peace” at the same time prays for the panel of prosecutors who listened to his and others explanation and saw the truth.
He added that he prays for certain Atty. Chris and Atty. Fely, whom he described as brave and brilliant lawyers. “I lift them in prayer and say “Salamat po”. I will never forget your goodness,” he said.
Villegas recalled that when he was accused falsely, “I prayed for my false accusers” and prayed for “light and guidance” when he was asked to submit his reply to the charges, and I whispered a prayer for the panel when his response was submitted”.
“There is much to do, I cannot be paralyzed by this gnawing threat,” he said as he recalled his late mother’s assurance to him that “Anak, hindi natutulog ang Diyos ((My) Son, God does not sleep)”. “Now that the government officials have seen the falsity of the charges, what can (I) do but pray as I have always been doing. I pray even more,” Villegas added.
Also cleared of the charges with Bishops Pablo Virgilio David, Honesto Ongtioco and Teodoro Bacani were Fr. Robert Reyes and Bro. Armin Luistro, VP Leni Robredo, Sens. Leila de Lima and Risa Hontiveros, Gary Alejano, Jose Manuel Diokno, Florin Hilbay, Romulo Macalintal, Samira Gutoc, Lorenzo Tanada III and ex-Sen. Benigno Aquino IV.
Villegas said he thanks and prays for the unknown friends who offered prayers and hidden sacrifices. “May God help me to repay you,” he said.
To those who have been charged, he said “Do not be afraid.”
The case emanated from the “Bikoy” video that accused President Duterte and his family of involvement in the illegal drug trade. (PhilStar Wire Service/ECV)
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