BY GERARD NAVAL

AFTER the cheers and jeers, several bishops yesterday defended the position taken by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines on the current political crisis triggered by renewed calls for President Arroyo's ouster.

The CBCP, after a special consultative meeting Tuesday, asked Arroyo not to stand in the way of the truth with regard to corruption in government but did not call for her resignation.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said those expecting the CBCP to join the resign calls would naturally be frustrated over the statement issued by the CBCP after the 10-hour meeting.

"Mali naman yung expectations nila kaya ma-frustrate nga sila. Pero meron naman nag-text sa akin na they were happy about it," said Iñiguez, head of the CBCP's public affairs committee.

"Hindi sasabihin yung resignation unless it becomes a moral issue. Ngayon kasi political. As long as it's a political issue, hindi magsasalita ang CBCP. Sa ngayon, hindi pa enough yung moral allegations. I think they have to be specified," Iñiguez added.

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, former CBCP vice president, said: "We, as bishops and pastors, have the duty to give moral guidance and not to join politics."

Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said they came up with the stand based on their own assessments.

"We looked at it in the light of the Gospel. We do not look at it using the prism of the media or anyone else. We refuse to be swayed by any group," said Oliveros, who was among those who attended the consultative meeting.

Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, known to be an Arroyo ally, said: "The statement is a product of the discernment - prayerful and unified discernment - in relation to the particular issue."

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a vocal Arroyo critic, said while the statement is indeed wanting of more teeth, there are some aspects of it that should also be considered.

"You'll see that for the statement to say that there is corruption all over. that is quite a strong statement. That is not something to be taken very lightly," said Cruz, a former CBCP president.

Cruz earlier said Arroyo should not boast about the absence of a call from the CBCP for her resignation as the CBCP stand could change depending on "what happens next."

STRONGER STATEMENTS

Fr. Joe Dizon, convener of the social justice group Solidarity Philippines, said individual bishops are not barred from supporting calls for Arroyo's ouster despite's the CBCP's position.

He also said that even without a formal call from the CBCP for Arroyo's resignation, "the wave of protest expressions involving the broad religious groups nationwide strongly manifest that the Filipino clergy and laity are now ready to stand up for truth and urgent change. thousands of Church people, youth and various sectors who used to be passive are now getting involved in direct actions."

Among the religious groups that have already expressed support to the resign calls are the United Methodist Church, the Jesus is Lord Movement, the United Churches of Christ in the Philippines, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, the United Muslims for Morality and Truth, and the Philippine Independent Church.

Dizon asked bishops in their individual capacity to issue "stronger pronouncements in support of the people's communal actions for truth, justice and accountability."

"Even better, we ask the bishops to take time to personally visit and enlighten GMA that her only chance to save her soul is by resigning from office and face accountability for multiple acts of corruption, deception and persecution against the Filipino people," he said.

LAGDAMEO DEFENDED

Cruz and Iñiguez came to the defense of Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, CBCP president, who is now subject of ouster talks.

On Thursday, reports quoted Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos as saying Lagdameo should be careful in issuing political statements as he could face ouster as CBCP head.

"Archbishop Lagdameo should be extra careful. If he does not listen to the majority, I think there would be moves to replace him as president of CBCP," the reports said quoting Pueblos who is in Rome.

Iñiguez said: "According to my knowledge of (CBCP) constitution, the president is elected for a certain term. Unless he dies (or violates) the law of the Church, other than that, I don't think he can be removed."

A CBCP president serves for two years and is qualified to seek re-election once.

"Hindi naman ina-ouster ang mga president ng CBCP, nagre-resign sila," said Cruz."

He also said that unlike in government, there is no politics in the CBCP.

"Unlike government leaders, a CBCP president does not have a pork barrel and cannot be subjected to 'people power' movements," he said.

EXTENDED PRESS OFFICE

Several bishops perceived to be close Palace allies have expressed dismay with Lagdameo's statements over the oust-Arroyo calls, particularly his call for "communal action" and the search for a "new brand of people power."

Under the conference's by-laws, the CBCP president can speak or issue statements for the whole body if the plenary assembly or its permanent council is not in session.

The plenary holds assemblies only twice a year - January and July -while the permanent council meets once every two months.

The Promotion of Church People's Response said Pueblos' statements make him appear part of the "extended Malacañang Press Office."

"Sounding just like Arroyo's press secretary and other avid defenders, Bishop Pueblos committed a grave act of conspiracy with evil when he carelessly warned that Archbishop Lagdameo faces ouster as CBCP head," said the PCPR's Amie Dural.

The PCPR said it would be better for Pueblos to heed the public's call for moral guidance from bishops instead of making Arroyo look good despite continuing allegations of corruption and abuse of power.