Monday, July 11, 2005 (Philippines)

NOT JUST A WALK IN THE PARK. President Arroyo takes a Sunday morning stroll in Manila’s baywalk with granddaughter Eva Victoria, son Diosdado and daughter Luli. (AP FOTO) MANILA—In a week end made tense by talk of an end game and calls for her resignation, President Arroyo finally got a break from the bishops. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) bishops expressed regret yesterday that a political crisis has polarized the country, but stopped just short of calling for President Arroyo to resign, saying she must search her heart for the best solution. “We do not demand her resignation,” the CBCP said in a statement drafted during a weekend retreat. “Yet, neither do we encourage her to simply dismiss such a call from others.” [full story]