Bishops willing to dialogue, fight corruption with PNoy

MANILA, Philippines – Catholic bishops today said that they are again willing to hold dialogues with Malacañang regarding their stand on the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill.

Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said bishops would be willing to dialogue with Aquino if he invites them.

"Well,who are we to refuse? If there is an opening then we should know so we can prepare ourselves. That’s good if they will invite us again. That’s the reason why we established the dialogue according to our President," Vidal told Church-run Radyo Veritas.

For his part, Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said the bishops should give the President a chance when he extended a hand of reconciliation to the them during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday.

"Kasi iyong side lang ng Malakanyang ang nais ipatupad. Let's give him a chance. Kung sa palagay niyang puwede siyang makipag-dayalogo sa bagong CBCP (Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines) president ay okay. At kung open din siya sa dayalogo ay okay din," Oliveros said.

The President and the Catholic bishops have been at loggerheads over the passage bill, with the latter saying enactment of the measure will only promote promiscuity among the youth.

They also claimed that the bill, now pending in Congress, will legalize abortion in the country.

Fight vs corruption

In a separate statement, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said that the Catholic Church is willing to join Presient Aquino's campaign against corruption in government.

“The Church had long been involved and continues its crusade against corruption and if the government is really serious, we can work together," Iñiguez said.

Iniguez said Aquino’s pronouncement on his campaign against corruption deserves the support of the public.

“He wanted to call us to participate in the fight versus corruption… That is indeed called for,” said Iñiguez.

Last Monday during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Aquino said his fight against corruption is “personal” and should be similarly pursued by the general public.

In his SONA, President Aquino made a special mention of the Catholic bishops, a surprise since prelates have been attacking his stand on the RH bill.

"I thank the priests and bishops who have continued to dialogue with us, like Cardinals Rosales and Vidal. Cardinal Rosales and I may not be the closest of friends, but I believe that he did all that he could to reduce the tensions between the church and the government," the President said.

The remark was taken negatively by proponents of the RH bill.

In separate statements yesterday, supporters of the controversial measure expressed disappointment over President Aquino's failure to mention RH bill in his SONA.