World | Philippines
Bishop resents leader's plan to attend anti-Arroyo rally
The Catholic Church remained united in supporting beleaguered President Gloria Arroyo, but a bishop warned the head of Catholic bishops against attending an anti-Arroyo rally in Makati City today.
- By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
- Published: 00:30 February 29, 2008
- Filipino students join key witness Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada Jr (not seen) in denouncing President Gloria Arroyo at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines campus in a Manila suburb yesterday.
- Image Credit: EPA
Manila: The Catholic Church remained united in supporting beleaguered President Gloria Arroyo, but a bishop warned the head of Catholic bishops against attending an anti-Arroyo rally in Makati City today.
"If Archbishop Angel Lagdameo does not listen to the majority of Catholic bishops, I think there would be moves to replace him as president of the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines [CBBCP]," Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos said yesterday.
Last week, after Lagdameo held a consultative meeting with militant and middle class groups, he called for a "new brand of people power" and "communal action" against Arroyo over alleged corruption in a government deal.
After the CBCP decided on Wednesday not to back calls for Arroyo to resign, Lagdameo reportedly agreed to stage the anti-Arroyo prayer rally in Makati City today.
Influence
"CBCP is one. The bishops are one, but some allow themselves to be used by others. Archbishop Lagdameo should distance himself from the influence of Archbishop Oscar cruz, who has been against the president," Pueblos said.
Cruz and Bishop Deogracias Iniguez Jr of Caloocan have been openly critical of Arroyo. They have been joining rallies against her.
Pueblos advised Lagdameo to consult his fellow bishops before issuing political statements.
Many protesters were banking on Lagdameo to act like former Cardinal Jaime Sin who had called on the people to support mutinous soldiers which paved the way for the ouster of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
Many of the activists have called the pro-Arroyo Catholic bishops a part of the "Malacanang [presidential palace] diocese".
Moderate and leftist activists criticised the CBCP for not categorically calling on Arroyo to resign, and instead urging her to lead the fight against corruption by lifting a presidential order that prevented government officials from testifying at the Senate.
"We ask the President to allow her subordinates to reveal any corrupt acts, without being obstructed in their testimony no matter who is involved," CBCP had said. Many believe that the CBCP meant to give Arroyo some time to do something about the political crisis she is facing.
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