It’s really sad and unfortunate that that Catholic Church finds itself on the defensive with regards to the issue of the vehicles some bishops bought from funds donated by the PCSO. According to the CBCP, their conscience is clear, in that the bishops do not own the vehicles, but only use them for their pastoral work. According to the former PCSO officials, they did not give away vehicles. True on both counts, technically. The bishops do not own the vehicles, but at least one bishop saw it fit to use HIS birthday as an excuse to ask for one from then President Arroyo to use for his pastoral and charity work. The PCSO did not give away luxury vehicles, but they did hand out P1.7million to the bishop who asked for one as a birthday gift to buy one. And why does it have to be a Montero? Wouldn’t a more suitable vehicle, a workhorse for far-away and hard-to-reach places if you will, such as a pick-up suffice for the needs of the bishop?
This is where it becomes questionable. It so not so much that government wants to help the church out, but rather the motives behind such help. The PCSO is a charity organization, catering to the needs of the underprivileged. It has a charter by which it abides in the disbursement of funds generated by its various sweepstakes and lotto games. The Catholic Church actually sees these as gambling, which takes the irony to a new level. The Church is perceived to be totally independent or separate from the State, or so many thought so. But with the revelation of the now known “Mitsubishops,” the Church may actually be indebted to the State, at least in Arroyo’s time!
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee started its hearing on the very matter of the PCSO revelations yesterday. And after listening to what has transpired, it is clear that the PCSO had turned from a charity organization to a milking cow by the past administration. It presented itself as a way to gain access to funds immediately, in the guise on intelligence funds. Why the PCSO has an intelligence fund bigger than that of the AFP or PNP baffles the Senators, and myself. What is even more fantastic is how one official alone, the former General Manager Uriarte, apparently very close to then President Arroyo, could disburse millions so easily while there are still some hospitals who have yet to benefit from the PCSO’s charity!
Obviously, a drawn-out investigation into the whole PCSO mess will occur. I’m just glad that it is now under the administration of President Aquino. After the stench of the past is gone, perhaps the PCSO can truly serve those who most need its charity. Such as those provinces or regional hospitals without ambulances. The PCSO needs to clean up its image in order to regain the trust of the public as a charity organization. Some see the PCSO as a way of fulfilling their dreams. As for the Catholic Church, they need to clean up their image as well, especially the bishops involved who apparently are known Arroyo supporters. In fact, that’s what the Senate hearing should have been all about. Another Arroyo anomaly.