MANILA, March 6, 2012— The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) does not believe that there is a plot to oust President Benigno Aquino III from office.
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, downplayed the reports against the government even if Aquino himself revealed the supposed destabilization plot against him.
“On a personal note, I’m one of those who do not believe. We wish that stories like this should not really circulate,” Palma told reporters Tuesday.
The CBCP head called on the public to not easily be affected by such reports and instead be discerning on the country’s political situation.
“Let’s just don’t believe on such reports immediately. As you know, it’s very susceptible to believing that it’s true or there is really (a coup plot),” he said.
He added that unless verified, such stories should not be dignified or believed or even circulated to the public.
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV yesterday disclosed that some retired military officers are recruiting active Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel in a bid to topple Aquino.
Aquino, himself, earlier acknowledged the plot to overthrow him and his government by people who are allegedly affected by his anti-corruption campaign.
But in the event that it is true, Palma said it would paint a negative picture of the Philippines.
“If there’s really such a plan, then it’s not a good thing of showing love for our country. What I mean is it’s not the way to hope for change,” he said.
“I think it would not help. The effect of this to the perception of the people is like, for one, it might bring about fear to others,” Palma said. [CBCPNews]