Bishops say graft-free Phl 'unattainable'

MANILA, Philippines - Bishops are not convinced President Benigno Aquino III can transform the country into a graft-free nation.

Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez even said that the President's vision of making the Philippines graft-free under his administration is "not attainable."

"Not attainable. Maybe 10 percent poverty reduction in five years. He should eliminate first corruption in national government offices, departments, secretaries, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Customs," the bishop said in an interview on Church-run Radyo Veritas.

He also called on President Aquino to immediately sack incompetent government officials, especially those involved in anomalies even if they are his friends.

"He should fire and not protect his friends if guilty of any wrongdoing. Select competent officials," Bishop Gutierrez added.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said the President should listen to the pulse of the people and meet their needs to get rid of corruption in government.

“Hindi madaling maalis ang graft and corruption. Kailangang magtulungan ang lahat. Umaasa tayo na bibigyang pansin ng pangulong Aquino ang feedback at reflections ng mga tao at iba’t-ibang sector para makamit niya ang kanyang pangako," Ongtioco said.

Meanwhile, Baguio bishop Carlito Cenzon said the President's promise was "tall order" and the Chief Executive should first prove his competency before issuing such public pronouncements.

For his part, Antipolo Auxiliary bishop Francisco de Leon said the only way the country will be free from the bonds of poverty is if the President would not hesitate to file charges against his close associates and friends in government.

“Iba ang salita sa gawa. Ibig kong makita ang gawa. Magiging graft-free ang Pilipinas at makakalaya sa kahirapan ang mga Pilipino kung hindi sasantuhin ng Pangulong Aquino ang kanyang mga kaibigan. Tutukan niya ang corruption hindi reproductive health bill," De Leon said.