Only Vatican can replace Infanta bishop, Angara told

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Edgardo Angara might have a misunderstanding with Infanta Bishop Rolando Tria Tirona, but Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) secretary-general Msgr. Juanito Figura yesterday regretted to inform the legislator that they could not grant his request to remove the prelate from his present position.

This was Figura’s response to reports that Angara has called on the Catholic Church leadership to replace the 65-year-old Tirona, alleging that he has failed to provide guidance to the San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Parish for being an “absentee” bishop.

Figura said he was not familiar with the issues between Angara and Tirona, but as to the lawmaker’s request to have the bishop replaced, it is easier said than done.

“Regarding replacing Bishop Tirona, that’s not possible. The Holy See appoints the bishops. The appointment is different from those of Cabinet members or other appointed posts. (There is) no impeachment for bishops,” Figura said.

“It is not just a matter of saying ‘replace him.’ It is not that simple… I think his (Angara’s) call for replacing Bishop Tirona was a way for him to express his sentiments. I don’t think he means it,” he added.

Angara hurled the criticisms against Tirona and the Prelature of Infanta during the 402nd anniversary celebration of Baler, Aurora last Friday.