The Catholic Bishops Conferences (CBCP) today called on the public not to use celebrations this week marking the 1986 “people power” uprising to make political statements.

Conference president, Archbishop Jose Palma, said it is about time Filipinos think of the “common good, development and giving people hope” during the celebrations.

The bishop’s statement comes amid reports that the presidential palace will use the 26th anniversary of the uprising as a “show of force” against impeached Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The chief justice is accused of graft, flouting the constitution and betraying the public’s trust.

The government issued a memorandum this week encouraging government workers to join the celebrations that mark the end of the two-decade dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos.

The palace earlier said it is willing to enter into dialogue with the Catholic Church and other religious groups that have criticized the impeachment of Corona.

Government spokesmen on Monday allayed fears that the influential Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ) sect’s February 28 rally will be used to drum up support for the chief justice.

“The premise that religious groups favor the chief justice may not be entirely correct,” said Edwin Lacierda, President Benigno Aquino’s spokesman.