Bishops: Noy should visit GMA

MANILA, Philippines - Some Catholic bishops believe that President Aquino should visit former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) in Quezon City in the spirit of Christmas.

Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), yesterday said Aquino should follow the examples of former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada who have both visited Arroyo.

“I think he should consider checking on the condition of his predecessor,” Lagdameo said.

Malolos, Bulacan Bishop Jose Oliveros and Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco shared Lagdameo’s view.

“As President, I do not think Aquino wants to do so. As a person, we detect a certain vindictiveness for reasons I do not want to speculate on,” Oliveros said.

“All of us are asked to practice the virtue of charity,” said Ongtioco.

On the other hand, former Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said some people might misconstrue it as hypocrisy on the part of President Aquino if he visits Arroyo.

Arroyo is under hospital arrest for plunder in connection with the alleged misuse of funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.