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July 31, 2013
Church, public told: Shun soliciting money from politicians

MANILA, July 29, 2013— The Catholic Church should show moral leadership and consider avoiding asking and taking money from politicians to help stop corruption, a Catholic archbishop said.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said that Church officials have a role to play and questions to ask themselves as moral leaders.

“Church-based organizations and institutions must make it our mantra in relation to politicians “Walang hihingi!” said Villegas, current vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines...

MANILA, July 29, 2013— The Catholic Church should show moral leadership and consider avoiding asking and taking money from politicians to help stop corruption, a Catholic archbishop said.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said that Church officials have a role to play and questions to ask themselves as moral leaders.

“Church-based organizations and institutions must make it our mantra in relation to politicians “Walang hihingi!” said Villegas, current vice president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

June 22, 2013
RH oral arguments to test judiciary’s independence

MANILA, June 21, 2013—The independence of the judiciary will be put to the test when it convenes for oral arguments early next month on the controversial reproductive health (RH) law.

The High Tribunal is set to tackle on July 9 the controversial RH bill now known as Republic Act 10354 or “An Act providing for a National Policy on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health”.

Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz said there is a possibility that the Supreme Court might show its independence from the executive branch, particularly President Benigno Aquino, a known supporter of the controversial policy.

MANILA, June 21, 2013—The independence of the judiciary will be put to the test when it convenes for oral arguments early next month on the controversial reproductive health (RH) law.

The High Tribunal is set to tackle on July 9 the controversial RH bill now known as Republic Act 10354 or “An Act providing for a National Policy on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health”.

May 1, 2013
Bishop suggests parallel manual count

MANILA, April 30, 2013— Alarmed over the lack of security features of the automated elections, a Catholic bishop has suggested a manual count of all votes cast for senator, congressman, governor and other local positions. 

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that conducting a manual count is the only way that the result of the May 13 polls can be validated “beyond the shadow of any doubt.” 

MANILA, April 30, 2013— Alarmed over the lack of security features of the automated elections, a Catholic bishop has suggested a manual count of all votes cast for senator, congressman, governor and other local positions. 

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that conducting a manual count is the only way that the result of the May 13 polls can be validated “beyond the shadow of any doubt.” 

January 30, 2013
Bishops seek ban on political dynasties

MANILA, Jan. 29, 2013— As the May 2013 elections approaches, Catholic bishops deplored the “widening practice” of political dynasties in the country and the lack of measure against political clans.

In pastoral statement released Tuesday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines wants the political dynasties to disappear in Philippine politics because, saying that it exacerbates the problem on corruption.

“Political dynasties breed corruption and ineptitude,” reads part of the statement signed by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, CBCP president.

MANILA, Jan. 29, 2013— As the May 2013 elections approaches, Catholic bishops deplored the “widening practice” of political dynasties in the country and the lack of measure against political clans.

In pastoral statement released Tuesday, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines wants the political dynasties to disappear in Philippine politics because, saying that it exacerbates the problem on corruption.

April 8, 2012
Distribute to farmers lands obtained through coco levy fund, DAR told

QUEZON City, April 8, 2012—The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) urged the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to sequester and distribute the lands of Filipino mogul Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, which he has obtained by the arbitrary use of the coco levy funds during Marcos’ time.

QUEZON City, April 8, 2012—The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) urged the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to sequester and distribute the lands of Filipino mogul Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, which he has obtained by the arbitrary use of the coco levy funds during Marcos’ time.

December 2, 2013
Palo archdiocese to hold ‘Day of Prayer and Remembrance’ for typhoon victims

MANILA, Dec. 2, 2013—Palo Archbishop John Du declared December 8, Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, as the “Archdiocese Day of Prayer and Remembrance” for all the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda that hit the region last November 8...

MANILA, Dec. 2, 2013—Palo Archbishop John Du declared December 8, Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, as the “Archdiocese Day of Prayer and Remembrance” for all the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda that hit the region last November 8.

In a text message from Fr. Amadeo Alvero, the archdiocesan spokesperson, all the faithful of the archdiocese are encouraged to gather in their respective parishes on December 8 to pray for the faithful who have lost their lives during the super typhoon.

November 17, 2013
Caritas brings humanitarian aid to Yolanda victims

MANILA, Nov. 15, 2013—Members of the Caritas Internationalis and other Catholic relief institutions around the globe will join forces for one coordinated and effective rescue, relief and restore operation to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. ...

MANILA, Nov. 15, 2013—Members of the Caritas Internationalis and other Catholic relief institutions around the globe will join forces for one coordinated and effective rescue, relief and restore operation to the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines. 

Caritas Asia and Africa have expressed their deepest condolences and solidarity on Wednesday in the aftermath of the disaster caused by the super-typhoon (Haiyan) Yolanda in the country. 

November 12, 2013
Yolanda destroyed centuries-old Guiuan church

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Guiuan, Eastern Samar has been totally destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda. What remained of this centuries-old church are the stone walls and the belfry.

According to historical records, the first church in Guiuan was built in the late 17th century. The original was then replaced with a more permanent structure in 1718. The church survived fires and years of neglect during the Spanish times, and was thus renovated in several occasions...

The Church of the Immaculate Conception in Guiuan, Eastern Samar has been totally destroyed by Super Typhoon Yolanda. What remained of this centuries-old church are the stone walls and the belfry.

According to historical records, the first church in Guiuan was built in the late 17th century. The original was then replaced with a more permanent structure in 1718. The church survived fires and years of neglect during the Spanish times, and was thus renovated in several occasions.

November 1, 2013
NASSA intensifies relief operations in Bohol

MANILA, Oct. 30, 2013—With Bohol getting on its feet after the powerful temblor that hit the province, the National Secretariat for Social Action of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-NASSA) has intensified its rapid relief operations to help quake survivors...

MANILA, Oct. 30, 2013—With Bohol getting on its feet after the powerful temblor that hit the province, the National Secretariat for Social Action of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP-NASSA) has intensified its rapid relief operations to help quake survivors.

Fr. Edu Gariguez, NASSA’s executive secretary said some of his staff is still in Bohol not just to monitor the events but to help Boholanos in their efforts to rebuild their communities.

November 1, 2013
‘Undas’ back online for faraway faithful

MANILA, Oct. 31, 2013— ‘Undas’ website is back online to accept request for prayers from Filipinos abroad for their departed loved ones.

Now on its third year, the CBCP Media Office relaunched the project, which continues to get positive feedback from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)...

MANILA, Oct. 31, 2013— ‘Undas’ website is back online to accept request for prayers from Filipinos abroad for their departed loved ones.

Now on its third year, the CBCP Media Office relaunched the project, which continues to get positive feedback from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The agency said those who can’t visit the graves of their deceased relatives could visit the websitewww.undasonline.com where they can submit their prayer requests.

September 9, 2013
Church not behind ‘Edsa Tayo’ movement—bishop

MANILA, September 8, 2013—Despite expressing support over movements that call for the abolition of the graft-tainted pork barrel system, a Catholic bishop on Saturday cleared off speculations that the Catholic Church is behind the planned mass gathering on Edsa on September 11.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the Catholic Church is not organizing the event, noting that it only gave permission to the organizers to use the historic Edsa Shrine as the venue of the mass gathering...

MANILA, September 8, 2013—Despite expressing support over movements that call for the abolition of the graft-tainted pork barrel system, a Catholic bishop on Saturday cleared off speculations that the Catholic Church is behind the planned mass gathering on Edsa on September 11.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said the Catholic Church is not organizing the event, noting that it only gave permission to the organizers to use the historic Edsa Shrine as the venue of the mass gathering.

September 9, 2013
Tagle urges Congress to heed people’s call on pork barrel

MANILA, Sept. 6, 2013–The head of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church is asking the Congress to reconsider and heed the Church and public’s clamor to abolish the pork barrel.

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said the bishops’ moral judgment on the issue seeks to help create reforms in the government and for the common good...

MANILA, Sept. 6, 2013–The head of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church is asking the Congress to reconsider and heed the Church and public’s clamor to abolish the pork barrel.

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said the bishops’ moral judgment on the issue seeks to help create reforms in the government and for the common good.

In an unprecedented move, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines yesterday made a collective stand in calling for the abolition of the pork barrel system.

September 9, 2013
Tagle urges Congress to heed people’s call on pork barrel

MANILA, Sept. 6, 2013–The head of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church is asking the Congress to reconsider and heed the Church and public’s clamor to abolish the pork barrel.

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said the bishops’ moral judgment on the issue seeks to help create reforms in the government and for the common good...

MANILA, Sept. 6, 2013–The head of Manila’s Roman Catholic Church is asking the Congress to reconsider and heed the Church and public’s clamor to abolish the pork barrel.

Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle said the bishops’ moral judgment on the issue seeks to help create reforms in the government and for the common good.

In an unprecedented move, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines yesterday made a collective stand in calling for the abolition of the pork barrel system.

September 5, 2013
Leaked celebs sex videos alarm priests

MANILA, Sept. 4, 2013— Catholic Church leaders on Wednesday sounded alarm on the spread of leaked sex videos of some local celebrities. 

Fr. Conegundo Garganta of the Church’s youth ministry said that such videos are “not giving a good example” to other people especially the youth. 

“Actions like these manifest poor discernment and lack of moral grounding,” Garganta said. 

An alleged sex video of comedian Wally Bayola and EB Babe dancer Yosh this week leaked on video sharing site YouTube. 

MANILA, Sept. 4, 2013— Catholic Church leaders on Wednesday sounded alarm on the spread of leaked sex videos of some local celebrities. 

Fr. Conegundo Garganta of the Church’s youth ministry said that such videos are “not giving a good example” to other people especially the youth. 

“Actions like these manifest poor discernment and lack of moral grounding,” Garganta said. 

September 5, 2013
Leaked celebs sex videos alarm priests

MANILA, Sept. 4, 2013— Catholic Church leaders on Wednesday sounded alarm on the spread of leaked sex videos of some local celebrities. 

Fr. Conegundo Garganta of the Church’s youth ministry said that such videos are “not giving a good example” to other people especially the youth. 

“Actions like these manifest poor discernment and lack of moral grounding,” Garganta said. 

An alleged sex video of comedian Wally Bayola and EB Babe dancer Yosh this week leaked on video sharing site YouTube. 

MANILA, Sept. 4, 2013— Catholic Church leaders on Wednesday sounded alarm on the spread of leaked sex videos of some local celebrities. 

Fr. Conegundo Garganta of the Church’s youth ministry said that such videos are “not giving a good example” to other people especially the youth. 

“Actions like these manifest poor discernment and lack of moral grounding,” Garganta said. 

August 24, 2013
Bishops, traders want pork gone for good

MANILA, August 23, 2013— A group of traders and Catholic bishops have joined calls for the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). 

In a statement, the Bishops-Businessmen‘s Conference for Human Development (BBC) is concerned over the alleged P10 billion pork barrel scam implicating a number of senators and congressmen. 

MANILA, August 23, 2013— A group of traders and Catholic bishops have joined calls for the abolition of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). 

In a statement, the Bishops-Businessmen‘s Conference for Human Development (BBC) is concerned over the alleged P10 billion pork barrel scam implicating a number of senators and congressmen. 

August 19, 2013
Priest decries RH oral arguments’ lopsided media coverage

LIPA, Batangas, August 17, 2013—If a trial by media mileage would be done on R.A. 10354’s Supreme Court oral arguments, the proponents of the law would be the all too obvious winners, a priest said. 

“If I could just cry now, I would. The sad thing is, I saw how the RH Law was presented in media, according to those who want it to get ratified,” said Sacred Theology professor Fr. Yulito Ignacio, in a talk to Marian devotees.  

LIPA, Batangas, August 17, 2013—If a trial by media mileage would be done on R.A. 10354’s Supreme Court oral arguments, the proponents of the law would be the all too obvious winners, a priest said. 

“If I could just cry now, I would. The sad thing is, I saw how the RH Law was presented in media, according to those who want it to get ratified,” said Sacred Theology professor Fr. Yulito Ignacio, in a talk to Marian devotees.  

Half true reportage

August 19, 2013
Villegas to laity: Pork barrel issue should lead us to action

MANILA, August 17, 2013—The incoming president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Saturday urged the Filipino faithful to learn from the lessons taught by the pork barrel scandal, saying that this controversy must lead the people to “greater action.” 

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said Filipinos must not let time erase the lessons taught by the controversy to avoid the recurrence of other scams in the future. 

“(The scam) continues to [baffle) and hurt us every time we discover something new about it,” Villegas said in an interview after a mass he presided for an organization’s 15th anniversary at the EDSA shrine...

MANILA, August 17, 2013—The incoming president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Saturday urged the Filipino faithful to learn from the lessons taught by the pork barrel scandal, saying that this controversy must lead the people to “greater action.” 

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said Filipinos must not let time erase the lessons taught by the controversy to avoid the recurrence of other scams in the future. 

August 5, 2013
Tagle chides abusers of social media

MANILA, August 4, 2013—Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Saturday chided abusers of modern technology who use social networking sites to fake their identities and pretend to be somebody else in their scheme to swindle and solicit money from people. 

Tagle, who claims that his identity is being faked by perpetrators of this evil act, called on users of social networking sites to use this powerful medium in ways that can contribute to progress instead of fooling people to fulfill their self-serving acts. ...

MANILA, August 4, 2013—Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle on Saturday chided abusers of modern technology who use social networking sites to fake their identities and pretend to be somebody else in their scheme to swindle and solicit money from people. 

Tagle, who claims that his identity is being faked by perpetrators of this evil act, called on users of social networking sites to use this powerful medium in ways that can contribute to progress instead of fooling people to fulfill their self-serving acts. 

July 20, 2013
On pork barrel: It’s about time you end this shameful practice, bishop tells Aquino

MANILA, July 19, 2013—A high ranking Church official called on President Benigno Aquino III to scrap the congressional pork barrel saying it is the root of all corruption and does not go well with his “daang matuwid” dictum.

“It’s about time you come out clean with this and put an end to this shameful practice,” Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable told Aquino in a letter sent to the Office of the President, July 18.

MANILA, July 19, 2013—A high ranking Church official called on President Benigno Aquino III to scrap the congressional pork barrel saying it is the root of all corruption and does not go well with his “daang matuwid” dictum.

“It’s about time you come out clean with this and put an end to this shameful practice,” Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable told Aquino in a letter sent to the Office of the President, July 18.

July 14, 2013
Bishops oppose 4-day workweek

MANILA, July 12, 2013— At least two Catholic bishops thumbed down a proposed four-day workweek to decongest roads in Metro Manila.

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said the more that he would oppose the proposal if it means “no work, no pay.”

‘I would not favor it. Many need to work everyday to earn a living for their families,” Lagdameo said.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said implementing such policy is bad for the Philippine economy.

MANILA, July 12, 2013— At least two Catholic bishops thumbed down a proposed four-day workweek to decongest roads in Metro Manila.

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said the more that he would oppose the proposal if it means “no work, no pay.”

‘I would not favor it. Many need to work everyday to earn a living for their families,” Lagdameo said.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said implementing such policy is bad for the Philippine economy.

July 14, 2013
CBCP head calls for caution on Charter change

MANILA, July 12, 2013—A top churchman has called on lawmakers to take a cautious stand in amending the Philippine Constitution.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said Charter change is a serious matter because it will determine the future of the Filipinos.

“As we always say, we should be extra cautious and I think we need more time to study,” Palma said. “It can’t be all of a sudden we will think of Charter change.”

MANILA, July 12, 2013—A top churchman has called on lawmakers to take a cautious stand in amending the Philippine Constitution.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said Charter change is a serious matter because it will determine the future of the Filipinos.

“As we always say, we should be extra cautious and I think we need more time to study,” Palma said. “It can’t be all of a sudden we will think of Charter change.”

July 11, 2013
Youth dominate anti-RH rally at SC

MANILA, July 10, 2013—The new face of pro-life activism in the Philippines is young and probably that of a student — as evidenced by the crowds of young people who gathered in front of the Supreme Court in time for the start of the oral arguments against the RH Law yesterday.

Of the estimated 800 people who attended the prayer gathering against R.A. 10354, majority were young people from St. Paul University, Manila, Don Bosco College, Mandaluyong, Siena College, San Sebastian College-Cavite, and the Rogationist Seminary.

MANILA, July 10, 2013—The new face of pro-life activism in the Philippines is young and probably that of a student — as evidenced by the crowds of young people who gathered in front of the Supreme Court in time for the start of the oral arguments against the RH Law yesterday.

Of the estimated 800 people who attended the prayer gathering against R.A. 10354, majority were young people from St. Paul University, Manila, Don Bosco College, Mandaluyong, Siena College, San Sebastian College-Cavite, and the Rogationist Seminary.

90% youth

July 8, 2013
Villegas elected CBCP president

MANILA, July 7, 2013— Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan has been named new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Villegas, current CBCP vice president, will succeed Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma who did not seek for a second term.

At 52, the protégé of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin will lead the 96 active and 40 honorary members of the bishops’ collegial  body.

 

MANILA, July 7, 2013— Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan has been named new president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Villegas, current CBCP vice president, will succeed Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma who did not seek for a second term.

At 52, the protégé of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin will lead the 96 active and 40 honorary members of the bishops’ collegial  body.

June 22, 2013
Church can take part in state affairs—bishop

MANILA, June 22, 2013—In an attempt to settle debates pertaining to the constitutional provision on the separation of the church and state, a Catholic prelate said that the church hierarchy is entitled to speak and express its opinion on public policies that could affect the welfare of the majority.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo cleared out debates on the controversial separation of the two institutions, saying that taking part in public discourse fulfills the social responsibility of church officials as citizens of the country.

MANILA, June 22, 2013—In an attempt to settle debates pertaining to the constitutional provision on the separation of the church and state, a Catholic prelate said that the church hierarchy is entitled to speak and express its opinion on public policies that could affect the welfare of the majority.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo cleared out debates on the controversial separation of the two institutions, saying that taking part in public discourse fulfills the social responsibility of church officials as citizens of the country.