By Thea Alberto-Masakayan
The embattled Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday issued an apology over the controversial vehicle donations from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
“As shepherds struggling to love you like Jesus the Good Shepherd, we are sorry for the pain and sadness that these events have brought upon you,” the CBCP, through its current President, Bishop Nereo Odchimar said in a Pastoral Statement.
The CBCP said they are also “saddened that many of you, especially the youth, the poor, our Basic Ecclesial Communities, have been confused because of the apparent inconsistency of our actions with our pastoral preaching.”
And while it maintains the bishops accepted the donations “without malice,” the CBCP said bishops involved in the scandal are also willing to “accept responsibility for their action.”
On top of the controversy is Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos who accepted a sports utility vehicle from former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through PCSO’s funds. Pueblos recently hit President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s performance and said he does not deserve to lead the country (Related story: Malacanang hits prelate).
“We assure you that the bishops concerned are ready to accept responsibility for their actions and to face the consequences if it would be proven unlawful, anomalous, and unconstitutional,” CBCP added in its statement.
The highly-influential CBCP has also vowed to “re-examine” their values.
“We also assure you, our beloved people, that we shall re-examine the manner of our collaboration with government agencies for purposes of helping the poor, making sure that pastoral sensibilities are respected and the highest ethical standards are observed,” CBCP added.
The Senate is set to conduct an inquiry into the controversy this week.
“As shepherds struggling to love you like Jesus the Good Shepherd, we are sorry for the pain and sadness that these events have brought upon you,” the CBCP, through its current President, Bishop Nereo Odchimar said in a Pastoral Statement.
The CBCP said they are also “saddened that many of you, especially the youth, the poor, our Basic Ecclesial Communities, have been confused because of the apparent inconsistency of our actions with our pastoral preaching.”
And while it maintains the bishops accepted the donations “without malice,” the CBCP said bishops involved in the scandal are also willing to “accept responsibility for their action.”
On top of the controversy is Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos who accepted a sports utility vehicle from former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through PCSO’s funds. Pueblos recently hit President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s performance and said he does not deserve to lead the country (Related story: Malacanang hits prelate).
“We assure you that the bishops concerned are ready to accept responsibility for their actions and to face the consequences if it would be proven unlawful, anomalous, and unconstitutional,” CBCP added in its statement.
The highly-influential CBCP has also vowed to “re-examine” their values.
“We also assure you, our beloved people, that we shall re-examine the manner of our collaboration with government agencies for purposes of helping the poor, making sure that pastoral sensibilities are respected and the highest ethical standards are observed,” CBCP added.
The Senate is set to conduct an inquiry into the controversy this week.
