MANILA, August 4, 2011— Catholic bishops called on former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to come clean and admit if she really cheated her way to the presidency in 2004.
While it may be hard to admit major mistakes, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said it is the only way for Arroyo, now Pampanga representative, to somehow correct a mistake.
“Whether she really won or not, she should admit that she cheated. Repentant sinner is a saint before the Lord,” Bastes told Catholic Church-run Radio Veritas.
Similar appeal was made by two other prelates to those who may have the information and evidence that could prove that results of the 2004 and 2007 polls were manipulated.
“I am certain that in spite of whatever things are said and done the truth ultimately comes out. Like what they say that the truth will set you free,” retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Cruz said.
Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo also warned those involved in the alleged election rigging that the “truth can never be hidden.”
“In the end the truth will come out. Those involved in the controversy should rectify their mistakes by coming out and revealing the whole truth,” said Pabillo.
The prelates made the statement Thursday after yesterday’s resignation of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri from his post amid allegations of poll fraud which he strongly denied.
Zubiri said he and his family were deeply hurt by the accusations waged by his rival, lawyer Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who lost against him for the 12th slot in the 2007 senatorial elections.
Bastes also called on those who cheated in the past elections to vacate their posts. “All cheaters in election should resign if they are still in office,” he said.
For the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Council Voting (PPCRV), a church-backed poll watchdog, Zubiri’s sudden resignation was a “good omen.”
“It’s a very encouraging development which augurs well for an unencumbered investigation of the 2004 and 2007 elections,” said PPCRV chairperson Henrietta de Villa. [CBCPNews]
