Archdioceses back people’s initiative vs pork

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Ranking Catholic Church officials in the Visayas region have reiterated their unwavering stand in supporting a people’s initiative calling for legislation to abolish the pork barrel system or the priority development assistance fund and the disbursement acceleration fund.

At the conclusion of the 9th Visayas Region Pastoral Assembly held in Dumaguete recently, the prelates of the archdioceses of Cebu, Palo (Leyte) and Jaro (Iloilo) confirmed that signature campaigns were underway in their respective areas to hit the targeted percentage of the country’s total voting population.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who led in the last August 23 launch of the signature campaign in Cebu, described the initiative as an uphill battle but with indications of success. The 63-year old prelate said at least three percent of the total number of voters in each district or ten percent of the country’s total voting population is being eyed in the signature campaign.

Palma said it is uncertain yet the number of signatures obtained at this time, as he admitted the difficulties of the people’s initiative. “What is more important than the campaign itself against these controversial funds is the process of awareness, education and knowledge of the people about these public funds. “ Palma said.

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, who was once head the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the Social Action Center, aided by lay leaders, is taking charge of the signature campaigns in his area.

Since the people’s initiative was launched, the signature drive has been carried out via the Parish Pastoral Councils in all of the 83 parishes in Jaro, said Lagdameo although he had no definite number yet at this time.

Palo Archbishop John Du, for his part, also assured that the signature campaign in Eastern Visayas is ongoing with the laity taking the lead. “We are supporting this initiative,” said Du, who is busy preparing for the visit of Pope Francis to his archdiocese in January 2015.

Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete announced that there is an inter-faith move looking at possible approaches to this anti-pork barrel people’s initiative. He said the group, headed by Catholic priest Father Ben Eric Lozada and co-chaired by Reverend Ed Samson of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, have already discussed on the signature campaign.

Cortes said they wanted to further study the legal implications of the people’s initiative before taking action, but he said the matter will be tackled during the regular clergy meeting of the Diocese of Dumaguete.