|
Monday, July 11, 2005
Bishops on Arroyo: 'We don't demand her resignation'
THE Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) lamented Sunday that a political crisis has polarized the country, but stopped short of calling for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign.
A carefully worded statement, drafted by the bishops during a weekend retreat--was far from an endorsement of Arroyo, calling for greater accountability and saying her role in an election scandal had undercut the public's trust.
"We do not demand the resignation yet neither do we encourage her simply to dismiss such a call from others. And we recognize that non-violent appeals for her resignation, the demand for a truth commission, and the filing of an impeachment case are not against the Gospels."
The bishops' statement denounced any unconstitutional moves to solve the current political situation.
"In the present crisis, some calls are being made that are unconstitutional. On this basis, we reject quick fixes that cater to personal agenda."
"We reject calls for juntas or revolutionary governments, dissolving the crisis within the framework of retribution and laws of the land" The CBCP rejected the "use of wars and violence as a solution to our problems."
On effective governance, the bishops believe that personal integrity, together with competence, is one of the attributes of a leader.
The bishops said they would ask the President to discern deeply to decide what course of action to take in resolving the crisis in the administration, saying "she has to make the necessary decision for the sake of the country."
The CBCP also cleared that they are not politicians and reasoned that the Church should not intervene with political affairs instead give advices for the common good. They also reiterated that it's not the church' role to give political option in working on the scandal. In addition, they said that the accusations were merely based on speculations.
CBCP also said that the decision was according to consensus and not on votes calling it an "exercise of prudence."
Unwavered
Meanwhile, Bayan Panay remains unwavered in their call for Arroyo's ouster.
"The administration still failed to bring changes and development in people's lives. It is evident in the soaring prices of oil which caused the increase of the prices of commodities," Nilo Arado, Bayan Panay spokesperson said.
The group said that the CBCP would have had legitimate basis in their decision but they should have had taken into consideration the situation of the masses and the stricken poverty they undergo.
"The role of the CBCP is to be a shepherd who should have addressed people's needs to the government."
Arado however said that they do not condemn their decision since they have their legal basis and it would mark the stay of the present leadership. But he assured that "the people will still march the streets and will ask for a change in government, that which caters to the people's need and not for greed alone.
The government, according to Arado should always think of what is good for the people, of what is good for the country. These questions, according to him have long been unanswered which therefore calls for protest.
Arado cleared that the group abides the constitutional processes and the rule of succession that if ever Arroyo's administration failed.
He also expressed that the group will remain vigilant for reforms and lament on the vacuum of leadership.
Arado insisted that a People's Transitional Council should be formed to govern the country, put into order the reforms of definite change. The council according to him will consist of the opposition who truly demands change for people's sake and all groups of people that calls for real change in government.
"It will unite and hold for a snap election and will make sure that vacuum of leadership be avoided and neglected."
Arado cleared that their protest for change in government does not stop here. He promised that they would continue to fill the streets and fight for change until the right government that will address the people's cry come.(Sunnex with Lory Ann B. Bilbao)
(July 11, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
