Condemning corruption not enough, bishops told

MANILA, Philippines - The United Opposition on Wednesday said a statement from Catholic bishops condemning corruption is simply not enough because President Arroyo has "managed to compromise the independence and integrity" of public institutions traditionally tasked to curb graft and corruption in government. "Under the Arroyo administration, the agencies of government that are traditionally seen as impartial enforcers of the law have been mutated into agencies tasked to protect Mrs. Arroyo and her supporters," said UNO president and Makati Mayor Jejomar C. Binay. Earlier on Monday, Catholic bishops called for a change in government amid alleged rampant corruption. The bishops said they are set to tour the country to spread their message for change. In a radio interview, Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said the bishops received invitations to go around the country to speak on the problem of corruption. "Kami po ngayon pupunta sa iba't ibang lugar kung saan kami iimbitahin," Cruz said in a radio interview. He clarified that the Catholic church is not calling for an overthrow of the Arroyo government, saying they merely want people to be aware of the problem of corruption. Cruz, a vocal critic of Malacañang, said it is important that people go beyond being mere spectators. Binay noted that the strongly-worded statement of the bishops led by Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, disputing the Arroyo administration's claim of economic progress and condemning corruption in government "should spell the end for the Malacañang's plan to amend the Constitution in a bid to extend Mrs. Arroyo's hold on power." Binay said that despite President Arroyo's public pronouncements against graft and corruption, Malacañang has continuously tried to block efforts of the Senate to investigate graft and corruption through gag orders such as Executive Order 464. UNO spokesperson lawyer Adel Tamano said the bishops should have demanded the resignation of President Arroyo if the bishops really wanted change in the country. "While we appreciate the condemnation of President Arroyo, mere condemnation of the Arroyo administration's corruption is not enough to effect the changes needed by our country," Tamano said. In a press conference Tuesday, Lagdameo said the CBCP statement, which called for "immediate reforms," was the product of "communal discernment" with Cruz, Masbate Bishop Joel Baylon, Banga-Bataan Bishop Socrates Villegas and Legazpi Bishop Emeritus Jose Sorra. - GMANews.TV