New CBCP chief asks prelates to continue giving people hope

MANILA, Philippines - The new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked his fellow prelates yesterday to continue giving the people a reason to hope and live amidst all the problems that beseech the country.

“As bishops we should be men of communion, helping to overcome divisions, to heal rifts, to settle conflicts and misunderstandings, to forgive offenders and promote the reign of God in our church in the Philippines,” newly appointed CBCP president Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said in a statement during the 104th CBCP Plenary Assemby in Manila.         

Palma clarified that his appeal for continued hope does not mean that bishops would close their eyes to the sad realities that plague the nation.

“The obvious confrontations among the main branches of our government makes us wish (that) we are not stuck up in pinning down the guilty but instead (focusing on) collaborating with each other in implementing laws and programs that bring about growth and development,” Palma explained.

While Palma did not identify any specific “confrontation,” it is no secret that the Aquino administration has been running after officials from the past administration for alleged acts of corruption and other irregularities.

Former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is facing electoral sabotage charges while Chief Justice Renato Corona is the subject of an impeachment trial at the Senate.

Several observers are expecting the bishops to issue a statement on the ongoing impeachment trial of Corona.

Sen. Gringo Honasan earlier called on the CBCP to provide the people with moral guidelines about the trial to help people reflect on the current issue in light of the Christian faith.

“The CBCP should get involved by giving the right perspective on the issue,” said Honasan.

Although it is not yet clear whether the CBCP will issue any statement about the impeachment trial, an official said all the bishops are aware of the issue.

“Unless there are moral evils and if there is really need to make a stand, that’s when we issue statements,” CBCP Public Affairs Committee chairman Bishop Deogracias Iniguez said.

But former CBCP president Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo believes that whether or not the CBCP would issue a statement about the impeachment, they are still hoping that “truth and justice” would prevail.

Despite all these adversities Palma remains optimistic.

“It is not wishful thinking but a well-grounded hope when we expect of blessings and good things to come.”

Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI also asked the bishops yesterday to implement the re-evangelization program in the country.

In a letter addressed to the new CBCP president, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone said, “His Holiness hopes that your discussions, especially those concerning the re-evangelization program in order to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Catholic Faith in your country, will bear much fruit as you strive to be holy shepherds.”