PCPR statement on Bp Pueblos threat vs anti-GMA bishops

PRESS STATEMENT                                      28 February 2008

 

WANTED: PROPHETIC VOICES OF BISHOPS IN THE FACE OF EVIL

 

It appears that Malacaņang's Press Office has been extended to the offices of the most conservative Catholic Bishops. This week, Northern Luzon Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan, Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos et al spent thousands of pesos for a full page ad in a major broadsheet to express support for the Arroyo government and insist that the call for 'communal action'  should not be interpreted as a call for people power. Worse, sounding just like Arroyo's Press Secretary and other avid defenders, Bishop Pueblos committed a grave act of conspiracy with evil when he carelessly warned that Archbishop Angel Lagdameo faces ouster as CBCP head.

 

We of the Promotion of Church People's Response (PCPR) commend Archbishop Lagdameo for issuing statements that effectively encouraged the people to stage communal reflection and protest actions against the morally bankrupt Arroyo government.

 

In the face of evil acts of thieves led by the Arroyo family, we call on more Bishops to add their prophetic voices to demand accountability from this corrupt Arroyo government instead of becoming members of the 'Diocese of Malacaņang.'

 

The mandate of our Christian faith compels us to join the Filipino people in the quest for truth, justice, accountability and meaningful change. If Bishop Pueblos thinks that Archbishop Lagdameo is under 'dangerous influence' of anti-Arroyo Bishops, we think he is the one in even more dangerous company of a syndicate government. Far from providing moral leadership for the people of Mindanao, it is deplorable that he chose to serve in the extended Malacaņang Press Office whose job is to make the President look good behind outrageous cases of corruption and abuse of power.

 

On February 29, we will join hands with thousands of enlightened church people who choose to stand for what is right and denounce what is evil. Nothing, even the lack of CBCP's open call for Arroyo's resignation, or more threats from Bishop Pueblos et al against activist Bishops, can stop the momentum of the ever growing protest movement among the religious and lay faithful who are committed to engage in communal prayers and actions for truth, justice and meaningful change.  

 

* In response to Archbishop Lagdameo's call for communal action, PCPR Panay-Guimaras chapter will lead a WALK for TRUTH on February 29, 1pm from St. Clement's Church grounds, La Paz Iloilo City to the Capitol grounds where they will hold an INTER-FAITH PRAYER RALLY FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE.

 

Reference: Amie Dural (09213474039)

                    Secretary General, PCPR