In his first press conference since his installation as Archbishop of Manila, Monsignor Luis Antonio Tagle said that those who are involved in public service should take the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona as an opportunity to cultivate honesty.

He noted that many government officials have been or are being accused of wrongdoings and pointed out that, whether or not these officials are actually tried in court, this should be taken as a cue to "purify our (political) culture."

Tagle acknowledged that he is not fluent in the language of the law and declined to comment on any technical or legal issue being debated in the impeachment court.

He called on the public to remain vigilant and pray for the orderly progress and conclusion of the impeachment process, so that those involved may be governed by "truth and justice".

ACL / Reportage from Patricia Ongsiako