Latest Church News

MANILA, Sept. 25, 2012— President Benigno Aquino III’s much-vaunted ‘straight path’ campaign would remain a slogan if the government would not pass the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.

In a statement, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines wondered why Aquino has not certified the FOI as an urgent measure if only to eliminate corruption in the government.

According to the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social Action – Justice and Peace (Nassa), the measure adheres to the principle of transparency and accountability. 

MANILA, August 15, 2012— Senator Vicente Sotto III has won praise from ranking Catholic bishops for his expose surrounding the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill.

Sotto, in the continuation of his speech Wednesday, revealed the various international lobby groups behind the measure and their motives that would allow abortions to be performed in the country.

MANILA, June 27, 2012— There is nothing wrong with the Aquino administration helping other countries but it should first prioritize the needs of the country, at least two Catholic bishops said.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said it would be better for President Benigno Aquino III to address first the pressing problems of the country that needs immediate attention.

MANILA, June 25, 2012— The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines has sought the “immediate” transfer of “Mali,” a 38-year-old elephant from Manila Zoo to a sanctuary in Thailand.

“Mali might have a few years to live but these remaining years will be more expressive of man’s compassion towards God’s other creatures,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

MANILA, May 30, 2012— The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on government leaders to be more transparent with their assets following the removal from office of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Acknowledging that the Aquino administration is trying to root out corruption in the government, Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president, emphasized that good government starts with honesty and transparency.

MANILA, May 29, 2012— The removal of Chief Justice Renato Corona from his position should serve as a lesson for all public officials, a ranking Catholic bishop said.

Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said that transparency and the virtue of honesty should be the foremost lessons political leaders should learn from Corona.

MANILA, May 24, 2012— A Catholic priest and human rights advocate expressed dissatisfaction with the Aquino administration’s actions, or lack of it, to arrest fugitive retired Major Gen. Jovito Palparan.

Solidarity Philippines lead convenor Fr. Joe Dizon criticized the slow pace of manhunt for Palparan, and accused the government of not doing enough effort into arresting the general.

MANILA, May 21, 2012— Three Catholic bishops have given their support to the anti-tobacco campaign and considering banning smoking within church premises in their dioceses.

Bishops Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon, Jose Oliveros of Malolos, and Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao said they are concerned about the secondhand smoke and its effect on children.

MANILA, March 9, 2012 – The fifth Filipino to be elevated to the position of Cardinal has died at the age of 91 years old at the Cardinal Santos Memorial Medical Center in San Juan City at 4:50 a.m. today. He would have turned 92 on Saturday, March 17.

The retired prelate passed away due to multiple organ failure after being confined to the medical center last week...

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.

MANILA, Feb. 23, 2012— A Catholic bishop advised students not to join fraternities and sororities especially those with dangerous initiations.

Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez of Caloocan said the recent death of San Beda law student Marvin Reglos from an alleged hazing incident showed risks in joining fraternities.

He acknowledged that maybe not all initiations are dangerous, but stressed that enough have already been publicized to let the public know many are not safe.

MANILA, Feb. 21, 2012—“I am praying that the Philippine Senate as an impeachment court against Chief Justice Renato Corona will unravel the “truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”

This was the statement of Jaro Auxiliary Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, head convenor of the Visayas Clergy Discernment Group (VCDG) as the impeachment trial against the chief justice marked its first month, last February 18.