CBCP head rejects Arroyo's call for ‘political ceasefire’

MANILA, Philippines - The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) rejected over the weekend Malacañang's call for a political ceasefire, once again stressing that the issue was about corruption.

CBCP president and Jaro archbishop Angel Lagdameo said the call for a change in government that he and four other bishops made is not for political but for moral change.

"Kung ang ating sinasabi ay pagpuna sa mga maling gawain, hindi lang naman yan sa government kundi sa lahat na pati sa lahat ng antas or level ng ating society. Sapagkat ang corruption ay hindi lang naman nasa gobyerno kundi maging sa iba't-ibang antas ng ating society,” Lagdameo said over Church-run Radio Veritas.

(“Our calls against corruption apply not only to government but also to all sectors of society. Corruption is not only in government but also in many places in society.”)

Excerpts of the interview were posted Saturday on the CBCP website.

Lagdameo added what is needed is ceasefire on corruption currently plaguing not just in the government but in the society as a whole.

He said the uphill battle against corruption should continue and should not only be limited to government and political institutions.

President Arroyo earlier called for a "political ceasefire" amid left and right criticisms from the opposition, militant organizations and civil society groups.

She said the coming Yuletide season should encourage the Filipinos to "set aside personal differences and focus on improving the lives of the people."

Last week, Lagdameo and four bishops issued a statement calling for a radical form in government, which he said is already stricken by a social and moral cancer called corruption.

"Itong pagtalikod sa gawang masama, pagtalikod sa pagawa ng korupsyon, pagtalikod sa kasalanan, yan ay patuloy na dapat na gawin. Ang call for conversion, call for change of mind, conversion of mind, conversion of heart ay dapat ipagpatuloy hanggang makarating tayo ng langit," Lagdameo said.

(“Turning your back on evil and corruption should be done. This is a call for conversion of heart and mind.”)

But Lagdameo agreed with President Arroyo in saying there is a need for a ceasefire in politicking especially with the Christmas season just around the corner.

"Hindi lang dapat dahil sa nalalapit na ang Pasko. It should be for all times. Kinakailangan natin ay kapayapaan. Kinakailangan natin ay magandang pakikitungo at pakikiisa," Lagdameo said.

(“The political ceasefire should not apply only during Christmas but the whole year round.”) - source