CBCP disappointed over CA confirmation of Enrile wife as Vatican envoy

MANILA, Philippines – An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday expressed disappointment on the confirmation of the wife of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile as the country’s ambassador to the Vatican.

In an interview with Radio Veritas, CBCP Canon Law chairman and Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso said that while it is the prerogative of the bicameral committee to confirm Cristina Ponce Enrile as the country’s envoy to Rome, he said he was not pleased with the decision.

“That is their (bicameral commission) prerogative because this is the right of the sovereign. So both parties, the Vatican and the Republic of the Philippines, have the right to send who they think are worthy or qualified country representatives. It is now between the two countries,” said Bishop Medroso.

When asked if the CBCP was disappointed with the news, he answered in the affirmative.

The Tagbilaran Bishop explained, “We were not consulted. They should have asked the CBCP’s opinion. But it will still be up to the President if she would accept or not our recommendations.”

The Church officials could draft a letter but he could not say if it would amount to anything since it is the right of the government to appoint the person who they believe is suited for the position.