Palma to elected execs: Avoid mudslinging

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said he is happy that hearings on illegal drugs and extrajudicial killings have been initiated but he is equally disappointed that national elected officials resorted to name-calling and mudslinging

AVOID engaging mudslinging.

This was the message of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma to elected officials who are involved in the ongoing Senate and House hearings on illegal drugs and extrajudicial killings.

Palma, who was the main celebrant during the pontifical mass for the 28th death anniversary of Archbishop Teofilo Camomot in Carcar City yesterday, said that while he is happy that such hearings have been initiated, he is disappointed that national elected officials resorted to name-calling and mudslinging to prove their point.

“To some extent, I feel a little bit sad for the country because we kind of arriving at the point that we are sliding down in to the point of mudslinging and all of these things. But this is a reality that we have to face,” said Palma.

Palma said that the hearings will help the public in weighing whether Senator Leila de Lima and alleged Davao Death Squad (DDS) member Edgar Matobato’s statements are credible.

De Lima was recently accused of coddling and receiving money from drug lords who are detained at the New Bilibid Prisons.

Matobato, on the other hand, has testified before the Senate Committee on Justice linking President Rodrigo Duterte’s name to the DDS operations in Davao City.

Palma said he is praying for the truth to come out in the two hearings.