CBCP and Politics in the Philippines

Spanish regime? or let's just say catholic's regime. From the time the Philippines was still occupied by the Spaniards, catholic bishops always intervene between government and politics. Were they really needed?

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OPPOSITION lawmakers yesterday conceded that the refusal of the bishops to support their impeachment campaign was a blow to their efforts but said this did not mean that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was off the hook.

The President’s loyal supporters in Congress welcomed the statement of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), saying it knocked the moral basis out of the opposition bid to oust Ms Arroyo.

“It cannot be denied that their decision not to support us is a loss for now but this will not delay or lessen the determination of those pushing for impeachment,” House Minority Leader Francis Escudero said in Filipino.

Bukidnon Representative Teofisto Guingona III said the CBCP’s refusal to support the impeachment process “does not spell absolution for GMA (President Arroyo).”

“There is no escape for her. The truth will come out by all means. And she will be held accountable to the people,” said Guingona, whose father, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr., was among those who filed an impeachment complaint against Ms Arroyo.

Only peaceful process

Parañaque Representative Roilo Golez said the motive of impeachment proponents “cannot be ascribed to power.”

He said those seeking Ms Arroyo’s removal saw the impeachment process as necessary in the quest for the truth.

“The courts are not the correct venue for truth-seeking because an incumbent President cannot be taken to court.”

Deputy House Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano said the CBCP’s stand to continue the search for the truth but not through the current impeachment effort was “understandable” as people were frustrated with the political process.

“But what is the alternative? We welcome any process which will bring out the truth but lacking that process, impeachment is the only constitutional, legal and peaceful process,” said Cayetano.

The party-list group Bayan Muna said the “CBCP turned its back on the people” because its pastoral statement was “a virtual exoneration and endorsement of this sham presidency.”

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