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Archbishop's appeal: Show evidence
20 July 2006 - Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) head Archbishop Angel Lagdameo has appealed to the sources of stories that accused him along with five other bishops to the alleged plot to oust President Arroyo to come out with evidence.
"I appeal that the sources of such stories will clarify themselves for the sake of common good," said Lagdameo.
The prelate admitted he is saddened by the reports "fabricated without proof as to their veracity."
Two former "jueteng" witnesses have accused Tuesday, through ABS-CBN's news program "Bandila", six prelates in a conspiracy to overthrow the Arroyo administration.
Richard Garcia and Abe Riva claimed the bishops had also planned to push Sen. Panfilo Lacson as alternative to Arroyo.
The erstwhile witnesses identified other bishops as Archbishop Oscar Cruz, Bp. Antonio Tobias, Bp. Deogracias Iñiguez, Bp. Julio Labayen and Bp. Teodoro Bacani.
Garcia and Riva served as Cruz's witnesses during the Senate investigation on "jueteng" early last year. They took refuge with Tobias until they withdrew their testimony in August.
Contrary to the reports, Lagdameo said they did not have any meeting together with any group - including any member of the Magdalo group - to unseat Arroyo.
"It is very possible that an accusation is being leveled against the credibility of the bishops, because of our stand on issues which are not pleasant to certain groups" Lagdameo said.
The CBCP head also said that if he and other bishops have spoken against the conduct of anyone or any group - in favor or against the government - it was the interest of the common welfare.
"As bishops we always promote peace, non-violent and constitutional means of reform in government," he said.
Cruz, meanwhile, belittled Garcia and Riva's claim.
He said he is convinced and confident that no one would believe anymore the allegations of his two former witnesses because of their "tarnished" credibility.
Bacani, on his part, said he is certain that Garcia and Riva's statement are intended to discredit the bishops.
He cautioned of more allegations to come. "I think common sense tells me that this is only the beginning."
Lagdameo also said the CBCP respect the decision of Tobias in giving refuge to some members of the Magdalo group.
As explained by Tobias, he said, it was the interest of both the Magdalo group and the government in order that there may be a non-violent resolution of their differences.
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