MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is open to discussing with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and  Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) “the merits" of the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

“We’re open to discussing with the INC and also with CBCP the merits of the impeachment trial," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
 
Lacierda said he will ask President Aquino if he will attend the bible exposition reportedly to be held by Iglesia Ni Cristo on February 28.

He said the Palace expects the event to be apolitical.
 
“We have been assured that the INC rally on the 28th of February will be a bible exposition. We expect them to be true to their word that it would be a religious activity and no other,” he said. 

The President's spokesman said there is no reason to stop the impeachment trial following a report that Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles has reservations why the impeachment trial is continuing.

“It may not be a Biblical solution to his perspective but it is a Constitutional solution when it comes to impeaching or removing government officials,” he said.
 
He said he was expecting Arguelles and retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz to bat for the presentation of Corona’s alleged bank accounts, saying this is part of the search for “truth.”
 
“Nasaan po si Bishop Arguelles, nasaan po si Oscar Cruz noong ang panawagan ay ilabas ang katotohanan? ‘Di ba po ang Simbahan ay para sa katotohanan? Nasaan sila? Bagkus ang hinihingi nila ay itigil ang isang proseso na nakasaad sa Saligang Batas,” he said.