Palace, bishops’ dialogue should have clear talking points — CBCP

MANILA, Philippines — Clear topics would have to be drawn up if the dialogue between Malacañang and Catholic Church leaders pushes through, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said yesterday.

CBCP-Public Affairs Committee (PAC) executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano said the decision on whether the Catholic Church would participate in the proposed dialogue would depend on the hierarchy of the CBCP.

“It’s a welcome development. But it is up to the leadership of the CBCP to accept it or not,” he said. 

Secillano welcomed the statement of presidential spokesman Harry Roque for leaders of Malacañang and the Catholic Church to meet. 

Both President Duterte and CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles are from Davao and are known to be good friends.

But Secillano said he believes that when the leaders and representatives from both sides finally meet, they should have parameters on what to discuss.

“If they accept it, there should be clear talking points, otherwise it is going to be just a mere exchange of pleasantries that won’t result in anything good for the country,” he added.

Secillano’s statement favoring the meeting between government leaders and church officials comes after three members of the clergy – Fr. Marcelino Paez in December, Fr. Mark Ventura in April and Fr. Richmond Nilo last June 10 – were killed in a span of just six months. 

Some bishops, priests and the lay community have condemned the killings. There have also been criticisms against Duterte, who threatened to come out with an exposé on the alleged illicit affairs of one of the slain priests. 

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said the killing of three priests in six months was not a coincidence.

“Once is an unfortunate random event. Twice could be a coincidence. Thrice is a pattern,” she said.  – With Paolo Romero, Marvin Sy