Philippines bishops must stand up for the truth and justice 
The Universe
(July 30, 2006)
A row between Philippine Church leaders and the head of state over alleged bribes given to bishops to influence their vote about the impeachment of the president has created turmoil.
It emerged that several Philippine bishops had been passed envelopes stuffed with thousands of pesos allegedly coming from the office of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Some bishops said they believed that the cash stuffed envelops were attempted bribery – not just gifts to relieve poverty in their diocese.
In response, justice secretary Raul Gonzales said: “The people who said that are dirty-minded. They should first inquire about the purpose why such assistance is given. If it is given for a noble purpose, why not?” Some agreed. Bishop Precioso Cantillas of Maasin said such help is not a bribe but a way for the government to alleviate poverty.
However, Bishop Manguiran of Dipolog was given two cash filled envelopes on the eve of the crucial meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) held to discuss impeachment of the president:
He said: “They were trying to bribe the bishops; it was shameless.”
He returned the money. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, CBCP vice-president was also given an envelope with cash but he told a reporter that he refused it.
Bishop Pedro Arigo from Palawan reported that he was given an envelope with 20,000 pesos. Another bishop was also given an envelope into his hand on the day of the vote on whether the bishops would support the impeachment movement against the president. Bishop Deogracias Iniquez Jr of Caloocan in Metro Manila had filed an impeachment charge together with several similar charges from opposition groups. The bishops’ statement finally said, among other things, that the CBCP was not inclined to support the movement to impeach the president.
The role of the legendary Cardinal Jaime Sin in toppling the tyrant Ferdinand Marcos and the election of Corazon Aquino, a staunch Catholic, as president in 1986 gave the Catholic Church a dynamic and influential role in deciding the fate of Philippine presidents.
Another Church-supported people power movement in January 2001 forced President Joseph Estrada from power and the swearing in of vice-president Arroyo sealed the perception of the Church as a King (or queen) maker in Philippine politics.
The elections of 2004 confirmed President Macapagal-Arroyo in power but she has been besieged with attempted coups, an election scandal that accused her of massive cheating, ignoring widespread corruption, and a failed attempt to impeach her in 2005. A new one is now pending.
What most Filipinos can’t understand is why the Philippines, a resource-rich Catholic country, is so corrupt and mired in poverty. Has the Church's moral teaching, education, and leadership failed, they ask?
Some bishops are struggling to discover a meaning to their ministry in the convoluted Philippines of today. A few find it too difficult to work for the liberation of the oppressed, and too frightening to challenge the rich and powerful and speak out against death squads and other evils. They prefer quite diplomacy. For many Filipinos it is too quiet.
There are bishops who are greatly admired as Christ like. They challenge the wealthy elite of Government to protect the family and the environment, save the indigenous people from exploitation and mining. They fight for justice and truth and refuse to take government donations from the casinos. To be truly Christian is to imitate Christ and that means taking an uncompromising stand for justice and truth – come what may. [End]
