Stand of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

Gloriagate Amid the "Hello Garci" controversy, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines led by Archbishop Fernando Capalla stated in a July 9, 2005 pastoral statement their decision not to call for Arroyo's resignation. However, they also said that they do not encourage her "to simply to dismiss such a call from others," and added that "non-violent appeals for her resignation, the demand for a Truth Commission and the filing of an impeachment case are not against the Gospel." After Arroyo's declaration of a State of Emergency in February 2006 following reported coup attemps, the bishops, now led by Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, called on all parties concerned to "respect truth and the Rule of Law." In a May 11, 2006 pastoral statement, the bishops reiterated their call for a reform fo the Commission on Elections to restore trust in our electoral process, asked for the follow up investigations on the fertilizer fund scam, and asked for the full disclosure of the Mayuga Report. Charter Change In 1997, the CBCP opposed the Charter change proposed by supporters of then President Fidel Ramos. In 2003, the bishops also opposed proposals to convene Congress into a constituent assembly. Three years later, an April 7, 2006 pastoral statement, it questioned the signature campaign for cha-cha initiated by Arroyo's supporters: "Is this truly a 'people’s initiative' or the initiative of self-seeking political players wanting to entrench themselves in power?" Jose Pidal/Oakwood mutiny Following the Oakwood mutiny and the Jose Pidal scandal, among other issues, the bishops released a pastoral statement urging Arroyo "to respond... to the valid issues regarding graft and corruption" brought to public attention by groups in government and civil society. They also called for the dissemination and implementationthe results of Congressional investigations, and urged political leaders to "desist from political grandstanding." Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) In a pastoral statement, the CBCP, then led by Archbishop Oscar Cruz, declared that the VFA, "as it presently stands should be rejected." The CBCP observed that the agreement was signed in secret, "vaguely worded", and treats US personnel better than Filipinos, and is silent on the constitutional ban on nuclear weapons. The bishops also noted that "the VFA does not foster the independence of the Philippines," and it "will promote sexual adventurism and promiscuity, HIV-AIDS, and the exploitation of the Filipinos, and "will pollute and degrade the environment." 2001 elections In a statement, the CBCP headed by Archbishop Quevedo enumerated the following qualifications that voters should look for in a candidate: competence, integrity, an abiding sense of the common good, and solidarity with the poor. The bishops also encouraged the faithful to choose "leaders with political programs that will address the basic problems of our country, namely, peace, justice, and development." US war on Iraq The CBCP, through Archbishop Quevedo, issued a statement calling on the United Nations to persevere in the dialogue for peace. They asked the United States "not to launch an offensive against Iraq without explicit authorization from the United Nations," and the Philippine authorities not to support a preemptive strike.