The Catholic Church Take on RP situation

The statement by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines regarding the state of affairs in the Philippines is paradoxically different from the picture being presented by the Aquino administration. The Aquino team sees a bright future ahead for all, with an expected 6% rise in economic growth. The CBCP, however, sees dark clouds ahead, what with issues still unresolved by this administration, and the lack of efforts from government to take care of the concerns of the poor and sectors left behind. The Church described these issues as "storms" and present calamities that are being ignored largely by the administration.

These storms were categorized in fours: social, economic, political and even moral, to a point that the Church admits these affect the faith of believers. In the end the prescription is clear---the Church will campaign against those who do not follow Church teachings.

The Church reaction is expected. The defeat it suffered when the State passed the controversial Reproductive Health bill, is an embarrassment. Now, talks abound that in the next Congress, several groups will be gunning for the passage of a Divorce Bill, another measure diametrically opposed by the Catholic Church. Instead of just merely prescribing a spiritual solution to these problems, the Catholic Church is posed to flex its political muscles, which it did only during the last two EDSA coups.

Taking a political action pose numerous risks for the Church, considering that the Church maintains vast proprietary and economic interests. A political action against this administration might slightly affect economic performance.

Like what I said in my previous blogs, the Church will find it difficult to mobilize a big and credible force against this government because majority or most of the groups working for change are either compromised or are working for the administration. Those who traditionally oppose governmental policies are still clueless as to the best approach to take insofar as this administration is concerned. The problem is not as simple as others think.

In this situation, the choice varies from sheer apathy to extremism. The political actor is either apathetic or will resort to extremism. Both choices are ludicrous. Maintaining an apathetic stance negates the very nature of the opposition while extremism poses great risks. Who, in this stage, would be brave enough to risk everything for a venture that presents an uncertain future?

The only option left for the Church is for it to transform itself into a political movement, something which many of its patrons and clients are familiar with. The question really is---will this moral force be strong enough to counter the propaganda of a "clean government"?

Will we see a clash between the Church and the Government in this elections?

Remember that in the past three years, the Aquino administration has created a stronger state, able to withstand a constant barrage of criticisms and able to sustain the public's trust and confidence.

Carlos Celdran's first round loss against Catholic Church

I have to say that the Catholic Church deftly handled a possible controversy, what with the conviction of Carlos Celdran today by a Manila Regional Trial Court. His highly popular antic last year that made headlines both here and abroad will cost him a month's detention in a filthy cell inside Manila City Jail.

The Church immediately issued a statement, saying that the Hierarchy has forgiven Celdran but respects the decision of the Manila Court.

I remember back in 1896, when a similar court found Jose Rizal, guilty of a more serious crime of rebellion and sedition. Rizal wrote disparaging stories against the Church and the colonial state, and he was being punished for it.

The friars in those times publicly announced their forgiveness. Behind the veneer though, the friars' true sentiments got exposed.

When Rizal was being led to a martyred slaughter, those who yelled and clapped and lustily shouted death to Rizal, were the same Friars who already forgave him.

Such hypocrites! Now,

In our digital age, when the right to express oneself is sancrosanct in every democratic society, such a ruling from a court, shows a very dangerous precedent.

Celdran did what he did for the sake of enlightening the public about alleged dangers of not passing the RH bill. If the Church wants to punish those behind the RH bill, don't shoot the messenger.

And if the Church is really dead serious on forgiving Celdran, then, they should be the ones to tell the Court to stop the proceedings.

The Church is slowly showing its backwardness.

Pope Benedict Condemns Cotabato Blast

Five people died while 35 others were wounded in a morning bomb blast in Cotabato City. Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo was about to read his homily when the bomb exploded. The explosive device was placed in an eatery near the Cotabato Immaculate Concepcion church.

The Southern Command was quick to blame the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), saying that a special operations groups were the ones responsible for the blast. Malacanang also was quick to draw the gun, blaming "destabilizers" for the blast. However, the MILF denied any involvement in the blast, saying that the act was "un-Islamic" and contrary to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. The MILF called for an independent probe into the incident.

Pope Benedict the 16th and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) were one in condemning the explosion. The Pope said this is not the way to resolve conflicts, while the CBCP hinted that this could be part of an on-going effort to destabilize the country. Remember that a few days ago, a bomb exploded before the Office of the Ombusman while bombs were allegedly found at the Department of Agriculture and a condominium in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

The explosion came shortly after an announcement was made that the government and the MILF peace panels are expected to go back to the negotiating table this month. Was this part of a plan to derail peace efforts in Mindanao?

Some people however surmise that this could be part of the so-called Oplan August Moon, a secret campaign to create justifying circumstances for the declaration of martial rule. Prior to this, a bomb exploded at the Office of the Ombusman in Quezon City, while bombs were found at the Department of Agriculture and a condominium along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City.

Oplan August Moon is supposed to lay down the groundwork for more oppressive state actions against the government's detractors, particularly those who oppose the plan of Mrs. Arroyo's allies to convene Congress into a Constituent Assembly. Others, however, said that the Oplan actually targets AFP Chief of Staff General Victor Ibrado. It is no secret that Ibrado's class (PMA Class 1976) is now engaged in a power struggle with Mrs. Arroyo's favorite class (PMA Class 1978). Though Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro was quick to squelch this, news of inter-class squabblings are getting louder. A source within the AFP says that classmates of Ibrado and PMA Class 1978 member Army Chief Lt. Gen. Delfin Bangit were the ones jockeying for power inside the AFP. The power struggle is reportedly unknown to both officers.

Historically, blasts and bomb threats always precede destab efforts before. With a few weeks left before the SONA, many people fear that more such incidents will happen to create a chilling effect on those who oppose charter change. Yesterday, the military announced that it is preparing for possible unrests and destab threats as the SONA nears. The possibility is high since last June, Executive secretary Eduardo Ermita warned cha-cha protesters that Mrs. Arroyo will not hesitate to use her "emergency powers" in case violence breaks out when Congress convenes itself into a Constituent Assembly after July 27.

CBCP supports No to Con-Ass

Sinuportahan na ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ang mga panawagan upang tutulan ang House Resolution 1109. Ayon sa CBCP, kinakailangang gumawa ng mga hakbang ang taumbayan upang iparating sa regimeng Arroyo ang malakas at marubdob na pagtutol sa balaking baguhin ang Konstitusyon ng ating bansa. Gayundin, ipinahayag din ng CBCP ang kanilang pagtutol sa balaking itayong muli ang isang diktadurya sa ating bansa.

Bagamat sumasang-ayon ako sa mapayapang mga pagkilos laban sa HR 1109 at sa rehimeng Arroyo, sa tingin ko ay hindi pa ito napapanahon. Epektibo lamang ang Gandhian method or yung non-violent approach kung nararamdaman na ng administrasyong ito ang ating lakas at ang potensyal o epekto ng pagwawalang-bahala kung hindi mapapahinuhod ang rehimen sa boses ng masa. Anong ibig kong sabihin?

Kailangang maramdaman ng rehimeng Arroyo na mayroong malakas na puwersang sasagupa sa kanila kung hindi nila ititigil ang kanilang balaking baguhin ang Saligang Batas o ang pagpapatupad ng batas militar. Sa ngayon, mahina pa ang puwersang pangsagupa sa rehimeng Arroyo.

Kailangang maipakita muna ang matibay na suporta ng mga armadong grupo, tulad ng mga sundalo at mga makabayang kasapi ng mga rebolusyunaryong grupo sa LUzon, Visayas at maging sa Mindanao sa mga panawagang laban sa rehimen. Kailangang magkaroon ng sabayang pagpapakita ng pakikiisa ang mga grupong ito sa malawakang hanay ng mga Pilipinong lalaban sa bumabalot na makapal na kadilimang dulot ng demonyitang sanggol.

Tulad ng mga naisulat ko na sa nakaraan, iisang wika lamang ang alam ng rehimeng ito at iyan ay karahasan. Isang bully itong si Mrs. Arroyo at hindi non-violence ang panlaban sa kanya.

Upang mapaluhod mo ang isang bully, kailangang kausapin mo siya ng mahinahon habang hawak mo ang isang baril sa iyong likuran. Ito ang pinaka matibay na stratehiya laban kay Arroyo. Ito ang nararapat na taktika laban kay Arroyo.

CBCP condemns Arroyo for corruption

The Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) just released a strongly worded condemnation of the Arroyo regime. CBCP head Archbishop Angel Lagdameo condemned the Arroyo regime for doing nothing to fight corruption. Lagdameo urged the people to act now and change the government.

This, by far, according to Ricky Carandang, is the strongest denunciation ever by the CBCP against Arroyo. Do we see a snowball of dissent against this regime, with Bolante's arrival as the starting point? Hopefully, yes. 

The rise of the New Patriots have begun. 

On second thought...maybe the CBCP is just muscle flexing so that Arroyo strictly followed what she promised---a veto against the Reproductive Health Bill? 

Is this another stunt to show Arroyo that CBCP has the numbers and the power of mischief to force Gloria to choose the CBCP over globalist reproductive health bill lobbyists?

Strikes to break the camel's back

Tomorrow, transport groups intend to make a lot of noise against the continued rise of the prices of gasoline. Bishops have encouraged the people to support these groups. With one peso hikes almost every week, people are tired of it and want to demonstrate their disgusts against government.

Another rally is set on May 17, ten days before the expected "takeover" of government in the utility firm Meralco. While we are talking about this, government has allowed the diminution of its stake in Petron, a former government owned and controlled corporation, now privatized. I can understand this since privatization is really the policy of government right now. While they are privatizing the oil industry, government wants a reverse in the power sector?

Government should probably consider raising its stakes in Shell, Petron and Caltex to be able to have a say in how these companies run their operations. I mean, being intrusive at this point is understandable, since the very lives of the people are at stake here. Instead of further divesting in the oil industry, government should take the industry by the neck and squeeze every profit from them. That way, government can directly ease the suffering of the people.

One question though--will these rallies break the camel's back?

Vatican influence over CBCP and the China question

It was revealing to me what Jun Lozada told reporters about his conversation with a priest who's a member of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. He said that the reason why the CBCP refuses to issue a firmer political condemnation of the Arroyo administration is the perception that this could be used by other countries in the region to "oppress" or "delimit" the works of evangelization by Catholic churches in those countries.

I immediately remembered the news which says that China is now locked into a veritable cold war with the Vatican. China has its own self-appointed Church head in their country, much like what they did in Tibet where they appointed their own Dalai Lama while allowing the real Dalai Lama to go on exile. Did the Vatican influenced the CBCP not to "rock the boat", so to speak, in deference to what's happening in China?

Some quarters are speculating that this could be the real reason why the CBCP refuses to condemn the Arroyo administration. Of course, we can't discount the possibility that some bishops were given some favours. However, I am sure that this is the real reason why our church leaders are not issuing a stronger statement.

There are indications, I believe, that the CBCP will issue such a statement. The Church has said that if Malacanang still refused to revoke EO 464, then, they will definitely call for a resignation.

Church to lead the search for Truth

"Their public confession[s] may be considered a providential event that may yet save our country from being hostage to scandalous and shady government deals that offend the common good and serve only personal, family and group interests,"--Archbishop Oscar Lagdameo, President, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines(CBCP)

In a monumental act, the CBCP finally took a stand against the prevailing order. Archbishop Lagdameo yesterday articulated what the Church wanted to say for so long--the truth shall set us free. So now, the struggle against Arroyo has assumed a higher and deeper stage--that of struggling for the Truth.

If you look at it, however, it is not the Truth that would set us free. It is the struggle for Justice. We, the People now know how corrupt our system has become. We have realized that this corrupt and decrepit system is being perpetuated by those in power. And we already know that these people are just motivated by self-gain.

Now, we await the pronouncements of other religious groups, such as the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the influential El Shaddai and the protestant groups. They must also take the stand and announce their disgusts against Arroyo. Not doing so would mean complicity to these acts of the Palace mafia. Taking a silent stance would mean they accede to what is happening.

Former president Cory Aquino has just visited Lozada, signalling the formal start of active engagement against Arroyo. The president is hurt, says her close aide Merly Poblador who, by the way, is also involved in this controversy. While all of these are going on, we find Lakas slowly disintegrating, with Lakas stalwart and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita encouraging former Speaker Jose de Venecia to relinquish his post as Lakas president to QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte. JDV's meeting with Erap, Ermita says, is a sign that JDV has totally burned his bridges with Malacanang. What it means though is JDV is now a persona non grata at the palace.

The only one left not protesting the callousness of the palace is former president and Lakas founder Fidel V. Ramos. I am sure that FVR will not tolerate this latest caper of the palace. Surely, FVR is not in cahoots with FG's group. However, it is perplexing to say the least, why FVR remains silent to all of these. There are some explanations:

1. FVR is assessing the entire situation. He knows that Lozada's appearance may provide the missing element in moves to oust Arroyo. Being the head of the CIA here in Asia, FVR is in the best position to assess the current standing of Arroyo vis-a-vis this war. What are the elements that would probably lead FVR to conclude that, indeed, Arroyo is in a losing or lost proposition:

a. Military support---This is crucial in any move against the palace. How many elements in the higher echelon of the military does Arroyo have and how many does not support her. Obviously, the scale right now is even, to say the least. Generals are divided. Arroyo does not have the entire loyalty of the military.

Esperon is a crucial element in all of these. His participation is very important to this struggle against immorality and corruption. If Esperon wants to save his ass or retire honorably, he must take a definitive stand against the creeping dictatorship and announce to the Filipino People his disgusts over this corruption. If Esperon remains silent, he is, in effect, condoning this blatant immorality and should be ousted from his post too.

b. Civilian support--It is quite obvious that Arroyo has lost a considerable segment of civil society, which includes the Church. This announcement of CBCP is a signal to Arroyo to take some definitive actions to appease the church. However, this I think is too late in the game. Whatever Arroyo would do now would be USELESS because its the responsibility of the church to assume a stand against immorality.

So now, there is no way out of this mess. As what happened last year, the only saving grace for Arroyo is DIVERSION. She will definitely order a special operations team to create another scenario of destabilization. What would be this:

1. Another bombing which this administration will attribute to terrorism. This is an effective diversionary tactic which they did last year with the Glorietta and Congress bombing.

2. An explosive battle in Mindanao, against using Jolo as a pretext.

3. A coup d'etat launched by Arroyo's own force. This is the most logical tactic. Arroyo will preempt these moves with her own moves. Either she'll use the Magdalo for this, or use another force.

SO ITS GOD SAVE THE QUEEN once more.