CBCP mum on Estrada re-election bid

By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 15:49:00 10/21/2009

Filed Under: Eleksyon 2010, Inquirer Politics, Politics, Elections, Churches (organisations)


MANILA, Philippines—The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines will not give a position on Joseph Estrada's plan to run again for president in next year's elections.

CBCP spokesman Monsignor Pedro Quitorio on Wednesday said while individual Catholic Church leaders have their own position, the CBCP as an organization cannot make a stand on Estrada's controversial move in line with its policy against endorsing or discouraging specific candidates and political parties.

“The CBCP will not say if this candidate is good or bad. That's not allowed,” Quitorio said in an interview.

Estrada, who was convicted in September 2007 then pardoned a month later for the heinous crime of plunder, was set to declare his re-election bid in a press conference in Tondo, Manila Wednesday afternoon.

“The CBCP encourages the people to discern and to choose from among the candidates those who can help our country and who qualify under the guidelines of the CBCP. Any candidate should be considered based on that context. He should not have a selfish agenda but should have the rehabilitation of our country as his agenda,” Quitorio continued.

Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo and Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo are among those who have earlier spoken out in media interviews against Estrada's plan.

In separate interviews, the three prelates said Estrada should give way to other leaders and questioned his motive to seek vindication for his ouster in a Church-backed popular revolt mid-way in his term in 2001.

The Constitution itself bars the president from seeking any re-election.

Quitorio said many bishops have given their comment on the issue since they are not prohibited from doing so “based on their individual capacity.”

“It was not the official position of the CBCP,” he stressed.

Every elections the CBCP issues guidelines for choosing candidates. Among the qualifications it has laid down for candidates are his consistent pursuit of the common good, promotion of justice, God-like spirit of service, and preferential option for the poor.

Last July the CBCP called on the Catholic faithful to vote wisely and encouraged persons of competence and integrity to run for public office next year.


Source: http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20091021-231490/CBCP-mum-on-Estrada-re-election-bid