MANILA, Philippines - The call of the resignation of some bishops to President Benigno Aquino III is continuous despite the statement of Manila Archbishop Antonio Cardinal Tagle that he is not supporting the National Transformation Council (NTC).
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz said Cardinal Tagle's statement will not stop some of the bishops' call for the president to step down for his alleged lack of leadership.
"He has all the right to say he is not supportive of the NTC. In the same way, Cardinal (Ricardo) Vidal and other bishops... it's a secular issue. The movement espoused by some churchmen for his (Aquino) resignation continues notwithstanding the expressed opinion of Cardinal Tagle," Cruz told a media briefing on Wednesday.
Cruz, a vocal critic of President Aquino said that the NTC is not in favor of a coup d'etat or the ouster of the chief executive from office.
"He is not a dishonest person but he is just an incompetent president... dumadami na naniniwala na umalis na siya sa puwesto hindi dahil sa siya'y masama kundi hindi niya kaya," Cruz said.
Cruz added that if the president voluntarily resigns from his post, he would be regarded as a "historical figure."
"Kapag ako po ay natanong tungkol dyan na konti na lang panahon kaya patupusin na natin. Ang sabi ko naman ay konti na lang panahon eh bumaba ka na... kapag bumaba ka ay magiging historical ka pa kasi pinakinggan mo ang tao at hindi ka-tsokaran mo," Cruz said.