JPE to CBCP: We did not ask for Vatican appointment

MANILA, Philippines – The appointment of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s wife as Philippine ambassador to the Vatican might have ruffled feathers in the local Catholic Church, but the senator maintained that they did not ask for it.

Enrile said he respected the position taken by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) against the appointment of his wife Cristina, but he said it was not for the appointee to consult others on the matter and he could only assume the government had taken all the right steps in choosing her.

The senator appreciated the action of Malacañang in giving the post to his wife, but stressed: “I would like to tell them that this was not sought, this position was not sought by Mrs. Enrile. In fact, when I was called about it I said I will ask Mrs. Enrile if she can do the job, given her age."

CBCP members were annoyed that Malacañang did not consult them in the search for the new ambassador to the Holy See.  – Rachel Williamson