Church Groups Support Catholic Bishops’ Call

Published on October 31, 2008

BY BULATLAT

The Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR) welcomed the latest pronouncement of five members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

In their statement, the CBCP said corruption is a social and moral cancer. They said, “In response to the global economic crisis and the pitiful state of our country, the time to rebuild our country economically, socially, politically is now. The time to start radical reforms is now. The time for moral regeneration is now. The time to conquer complacency, cynicism and apathy and to prove that we have matured from our political disappointments is now. The time to prepare a new government is now.”

The PCPR commended the Catholic bishops for their ‘fearless pronouncements.’ “We are one with them in demanding end to the corrupt Arroyo government. We further enjoin more Bishops to join the call for change. We shall heed the cries of the people and join the actions they would deem necessary in responding to the urgent call of the time.”

The group said it cannot wait for 2010. “Another year is too long to allow [Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-]Arroyo to continue stealing, lying, cheating, killing and condemning the poor to more hardships. The longer Arroyo stays in power, the more opportunities for her to amass the wealth of the people, to cheat the people, to cover up lies and corruption, to kill her critics and violate human rights with impunity, to sell-out the patrimony and sovereignty of the country. To allow her to finish her term is to send a message to the world that what she did is just fine and acceptable,” said the PCPR in a statement.

Meanwhile, Norma Dollaga, general secretary of Kasimbayan criticized Deputy Spokesperson Lorelie Fajardo for equating the bishops’ call as a call for destabilization. Dollaga said it is the height of hypocrisy. “…What has this government been doing all these years for the good of the economy, rights and well-being of Filipinos?” she asked.

“The Filipino people have suffered enough from the thievery and corruption of this government. Thus, holding GMA [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] responsible and accountable is always timely and in season,” said Dollaga.(Bulatlat.com)