MANILA, July 26, 2011— The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is with the government in its efforts to combat corruption, a Church official said.
“The Church had long been involved and continues its crusade against corruption and if the government is really serious, we can work together, said Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez.
The prelate, who heads the CBCP’s Committee on Public Affairs, said Aquino’s pronouncement against his administration’s campaign against corruption deserves the support of the public.
“He wanted to call us to participate in the fight versus corruption… That is indeed called for,” said Iñiguez.
Last Monday during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Aquino said his fight against corruption is “personal” and should be similarly pursued by the general public.
It can be recalled that then CBCP President Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, in February 2008, had called for “communal action” against corruption in the government of then president Gloria Arroyo.
The statement of Iñiguez comes at a time when the CBCP and the government are at odds over the controversial reproductive health bill. [CBCPNews]
