The Catholic bishops in the Philippines who took a Mitsubishi Pajero or gambling money from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Organisation (PCSO) have committed a ‘sin’ but the acts are not ‘criminal’ according to House Minority leader Edcel Lagman.
Lagman called the reception of these gifts “morally offensive.”
“The Catholic Church is way too rich to be a charity case and has more than sufficient resources to finance its charitable work without competing with countless indigent patients and legitimate charity beneficiaries,” the minority lawmaker said.
PCSO Chair Margarita Juico had claimed former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo gave 6 or 7 Mitsubishi Pajeros to bishops before she stepped down from office to get their support.
Retired Archbishop Oscar Curz confirmed that some Filipino Catholic bishops received monetary aid and luxury vehicles from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office during the Arroyo administration. However, he would not confirm that they were bribes for their political support.
Cotaboto Archbishop, Oriando Quevedo said lots of Catholic agencies have asked for aid from the state-owned lottery agency for their social projects and that it’s been a long-standing practice, back to the time of President Aquino.
ABS-CBN News reports Quevedo as saying the PCSO donations are intended for social services, poverty alleviation and socio-economic development.
Meanwhile the Catholic bishops of the Philippines have agreed they will discuss the matter during their meeting in Manila this week.
Sources
Related Posts:
- Quevedo denies he's one of 'Pajero 5'
- Ozamiz bishop does not own a Pajero
- CBCP urged: Don't be blind on 'Pajero Bishops'
- PNoy urged to order probe on 'Pajero Bishops'
News category: World.
