|
Monday, June 09, 2003
Bishop Bacani fights off sex scandal raps
MANILA -- A prominent Roman Catholic bishop denied accusations of sexual harassment Sunday but acknowledged making "inappropriate expression of affection," in a case that even Palace officials seem to be clearing steer of.
"I am deeply sorry for the consequences of any inappropriate expression of affection to my secretary," Bishop Teodoro Bacani said in a statement issued shortly before he departed for the United States.
Without referring directly to the accusations, Bacani said he had "put myself in the hands of the Church, ready to leave the diocese if necessary for her good."
President Arroyo's spokesman, Ignacio Bunye, and her adviser on ecclesiastical and media affairs, Conrado Limcaoco, refused to comment on the sexual harassment allegations leveled against Bacani.
Even the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai was silent on the issue. Bacani is the spiritual adviser of the El Shaddai.
Mel Robles, spokesman of El Shaddai, said in separate interview that Bro. Mike Velarde, the charismatic group leader, has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
Bacani, without elaborating on the alleged incident in March, said: "I also ask pardon of Mother Church and of all of you and my secretary who felt hurt."
Earlier, in a radio interview late Saturday, Bacani asked the public to be skeptical of the charges, advising them to "be careful or they could be tricked. Don't believe in intrigues."
The woman, said to be a former secretary of Bacani, had told activist women's group Gabriela that the bishop had sexually harassed her.
She said the first time it happened was three years ago in Caloocan City while the second incident occurred earlier this year in Fairview, Quezon City.
Bacani's spokesman, Monsignor Romulo Ranada, reiterated the bishop's denial, saying said "he bishop did not intend anything malicious."
He also raised the possibility that the scandal was being played up by rival religious groups that were trying to discredit the Catholic Church.
"The clergy and the lay leaders are fully behind the bishop," he added.
Bacani will be in the United States for about three weeks to visit relatives and to receive treatment for health problems, the Ranada said.
The Catholic Church claims more than 80 percent of Filipinos as followers and church leaders often criticize public policies on matters like population control, human rights and national security.
The bishop has gained national attention as a critic of public utilities and of government policies and as an advocate of the poor. He has a regular newspaper column. AFP/Sunnex Luzon
(June 9, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here.
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
 |
| click
to comment on this article or discuss it with other readers |
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
MILF may extend ceasefire, says spokesman