‘Cardinal Vidal stands by GMA’

Contrary to reports, Archbishop of Cebu Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has not joined calls for President Arroyo to step down, Malacañang said yesterday.

Government Media Secretary Cerge Remonde said Mrs. Arroyo went to see Vidal on Wednesday afternoon in Cebu City, and that they had a very cordial and private meeting for more than 30 minutes.

"Cardinal Vidal is standing by the integrity of the result of the election which saw President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo winning overwhelmingly in Cebu," he said.

Remonde said Vidal "condemned power grabs" in a pastoral letter on Sunday and called for prayers for the country and its leaders.

Mrs. Arroyo attended Mass at the Pink Sisters convent and chapel in Cebu City on Wednesday afternoon before she announced the release of Filipino accountant Robert Tarongoy by rebels in Iraq.

During the Mass, the priest thanked Mrs. Arroyo for coming and said they would continue to pray for her and the country to move in the right direction. — Aurea Calica