Bishops cite accomplishments, failures of GMA

MANILA, Philippines - Thirteen members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday cited seven accomplishments and 10 failures of President Arroyo in her nine-year term.

In assessing the Arroyo administration, the Church-run Radio Veritas asked the opinions of Pampanga Auxiliary Bishop Virgilio David, Auxiliary Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso, Iligan Bishop Elenito Galido, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, Dumaguete Bishop John Du, Batanes Bishop Camilo Gregorio, Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad, Palawan Bishop Pedro Arigo, Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros, and Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.

Most bishops said the President failed to address the problems on graft and corruption, poverty, and illiteracy in the country.

They also cited the President’s engagement in patronage politics, dishonesty, insincerity, and failure to win the trust of the people.

Bishops likewise criticized Mrs. Arroyo for maintaining her friendship with suspected jueteng (illegal numbers game) lords in Pampanga.

Bishop Medroso claimed the Chief Executive destroyed the democratic system, while Bishop Arigo said she failed to address the government’s environment programs.

Last year, the government was criticized for failing to counter the destructive floods brought about by typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” that resulted in deaths and massive destruction of farmlands in Northern Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and Metro Manila.

But CBCP officials and members lauded Mrs. Arroyo for implementing major infrastructure projects and good economic policies that have restored the country’s stability.

Some Church leaders also cited the President’s clear 10-point agenda that supported cooperative developments and livelihood projects.

Abra, Bangued Bishop Jaucian commended her for working toward alleviating poverty, while Basilan Bishop Jumoad said the President strengthened the scholarship program in his province.

They also noted that under Mrs. Arroyo’s tenure the Reproductive Health (RH) bill was not passed. – Evelyn Macairan