•A3 Rediscover confession,

urges Benedict XVI

•B1 ‘He fasted for forty days and
forty nights, and afterwards •C1 The CROSS
A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI
he was hungry’ (Mt 4, 1-2)
Calls it sacrament of forgiveness and the Order of the Knights of Columbus
Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for Lent 2009

Mrs. Arroyo’s stimulus www.cbcpnews.com cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net PGMA urged to spare no

plan, a spin—IBON
THE independent think-tank IBON Foundation,
Inc., called the Macapagal-Arroyo government’s
Stimulus Plan a mere spin or a public relations
gimmickry just to create an impression that it
is doing something about the current financial
crisis that is plaguing the country.
In a statement sent to CBCPNews, Jose
Enrique “Sonny” Africa, IBON research chief
said, the Stimulus Plan of Mrs. Arroyo is just
a repackaging of the existing allocations, so
it cannot treat the economic sickness that the
Philippines is enduring right now.
Spin / A6
one in war on corruption
A CATHOLIC bishop urged President Arroyo
to stand firmly on the fight against corruption
and spare no one involved in anomalies in the
government.
Retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani
said Arroyo’s sincerity to free her administra-
tion from irregularities means holding those
proven guilty accountable even if it’s someone
close to her heart.
Protagonist of Truth, Promoter of Peace Bacani made the statement amid the alleged
involvement of Arroyo’s husband, Mike, into
February 16 - March 1, 2009 Vol. 13 No. 4 Php 20.00 the reported bribery and collusion that have
Corruption / A6

CBCP urges solon to craft

a ‘constitutional’ magna
carta for women
By Kris Bayos
SAYING the proposed Magna Carta of
Women remains inconsistent with moral
law and the Constitution, Church leaders
have urged Congress to purge the bill of
all anti-life and anti-family provisions so
as to truly advance the dignity and wellbe-
ing of women.
CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lag-
dameo, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Ro-
sales and Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal
have joined Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto
and Lucena Bishop Emilio Marquez in questioning the
“unconstitutional” provisions of the legislation, from
both versions of the House of Representatives and the
Senate.
“The inclusion of anti-life and anti-family provisions
in the bill threatens to make the otherwise commendable
© Pinky Barrientos, FSP / CBCP Media

piece of legislation unduly controversial and unaccept-

able on ethical and constitutional grounds. These provi-
sions must be expunged if the Magna Carta of Women
is truly to advance the dignity and wellbeing of Filipino
women,” the bishops said in a statement.
Aniceto, chair of the Episcopal Commission on Family
and Life (ECFL), and Marquez, chair of the CBCP Com-
mission on Women, issued on Jan. 25 a statement titled
“The Dignity of Women is Divinely Ordained,” wherein
Infanta Bishop-emeritus Julio Labayen (right) gestures as he explains how the spirituality of stewardship is experienced and lived by basic ecclesial communities in the prelature of they strongly criticized the congressmen’s tendency to
Infanta. CBCP president and Jaro archbishop Angel Lagdameo (left) convened the one-day seminar-workshop on the Spirituality of Stewardship for Episcopal Commission executive anchor the bill on the anti-life and anti-family provisions
secretaries last February 13 at the Our Lady of Reparatrix Center, Tagaytay City. Women / A6

Still no to VFA—CBCP
CALLS to abolish the Philippine-US Visiting
Forces Agreement gained momentum, with the
He urged Arroyo to “revisit the provisions of
the VFA and accordingly exercise our right to
Bishops
blast violent
dispersal of
influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the terminate the agreement considering that super-
Philippines joining the bandwagon. vening events have rendered the VFA as uncon-
CBCP Media Director Msgr Pedro Quitorio said stitutional.”
the bishops’ leadership has long been opposed to In a 1998 pastoral statement, the CBCP, then led

farmers
it in the first place. by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz,
Quitorio said the CBCP’s position, issued eleven declared that the VFA, “as it presently stands
years ago, against the VFA was never changed and should be rejected.”
still stands until now. The bishops observed that the agreement was
“The bishops’ statement in 1998 was never signed in secret, “vaguely worded”, and treats US CATHOLIC Church leaders condemned the vio-
changed, which is to say that it still holds until personnel preferentially better than Filipinos. lent dispersal of protesters at Mendiola Bridge in
now,” he said. The CBCP also noted that the VFA “does not Manila on February 12 that resulted to the hurting
Calls to repeal the bilateral agreement mounted foster the independence of the Philippines.” of several farmers.
over the past few days as the US government keep The prelates also questioned the criminal juris- Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
refusing to hand over the custody of convicted dictions of erring US personnel believing the VFA (CBCP) president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo
rapist Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith back to the Philip- “seems to surrender national sovereignty to the said authorities must respect the democratic rights
© www.lfs.ph

pine authorities despite a ruling from the Supreme
Court.
Senator Francis Pangilinan, in a senate Resolu-
tion No. 892, formally called on President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo to abolish the VFA.
Members of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) slam the
US embassy seal during a renewed protest against the RP-
US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
US authorities” and, in effect, “grants US forces of freedom of speech of the farmers holding a
diplomatic immunity.” peaceful assembly.
Quitorio said the pastoral statement somehow Lagdameo said those farmers calling for the re-
predicted certain circumstances surrounding the distribution of the Arroyo-owned lands in Negros
Smith case. (Roy Lagarde) came from his metropolitan jurisdiction in Jaro.
“The authorities should have respected the

Probe alleged rigged NIA

farmers because they have a valid cause. They’ve

Bishop Soc vows to lead protest vs nuke plant revival

bidding now—bishop
A CATHOLIC Church lead-
er has called for an investiga-
tion into the alleged anoma-
lous bidding of equipment
BALANGA Bishop Socrates Villegas
said he would lead a protest rally in
opposing the planned revival of the
Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
Villegas called on the public to par-
ticipate in the mass action which will be
held in front of the San Jose Cathedral
by limiting use of fuel products.
According to Villegas, the benefits
being proclaimed by those pushing
for its revival are naturally being out-
weighed by its negative effects.
He said that among the dangers be-
ing posed by the plant’s revival include
Photo courtesy of PARRDS

by the National Irrigation
Authority (NIA).
Cagayan de Oro Arch-
bishop Antonio Ledesma,
SJ, said it’s a very serious
matter and he’s hoping it
will be investigated by the
authorities.
“There should be a strong
© CBCP Media
in Balanga on February 23.
“Kung kayo ay may malasakit sa
bayan, dumalo kayo at manindigan,”
he said.
The main proponent of the plant’s
revival in Congress, Pangasinan Rep.
Mark Cojuangco, earlier brought a
group of legislators on a tour of the
facility.
the presence of toxic materials.
The uncertainty of the place where
nuclear wastes will be dumped and
the possibility that it could be a target
of terrorist attacks are things that they
also fear, he said.
This, Villegas added, also include sacrificed a lot and left their families behind just to
the risks being posed by human error call the government’s attention,” he said.
and natural calamities resulting to Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo called

pursuit for transparency in Cojuangco is seeking to revive and more damaging effects to residents and on the government to help the protesting farmers
this issue again and find operate the 22-year-old white elephant environment. instead of hurting them.
out what really happened,” with his bill, the “Bataan Nuclear The bishop also called on those push- “I appeal to the government not to use force
Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ said Ledesma, a staunch Power Plant Commissioning Act of ing for its revival not to make hasty rather to heed the cries of the farmers for laws
advocate for agrarian reform. 2008,” which has al- ready decisions but rather seriously study based on social justice,” said Pabillo who also
The archbishop said since the issue is another addition to the in- gained 190 signatures in the and reflect on the pros and cons of the chairs the CBCP’s National Secretariat for Social
creasing list of allegedly anomalous government projects, the more House. plan. (CBCPNews) Action-Justice and Peace.
relentless efforts to seek the truth is needed. The bill is looking Around 40 farmers were reportedly injured
On Feb. 16, Senator Mar Roxas has sought an inquiry into another to establish a full- when police forces dispersed some 300 farmers
anomaly-tainted bidding process, this time involving the purchase blown national from Negros Occidental and Leyte who camped
of p1.4 billion worth of earth-moving equipment by the NIA. nuclear power out for some hours at the Mendiola Bridge evening
Roxas claimed the bidding process for irrigation equipments was program in a of Feb. 12.
manipulated to limit the number of participants and ultimately bid to com- They also clamored for the passage of a bill
award the project to their favored contractor. bat global seeking for the extension of the Comprehensive
Ledesma also admitted he is also fed up hearing controversies warming Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) with reforms.
involving supposed aid programs for farmers and agricultural Civil Disturbance Management operatives of the
development. Manila Police District (MPD) used water cannons
“...And I think our farmers and their actions could attest to that,” to disperse the farmers who lay down on the pave-
he lamented, noting the uneasiness shown in the series of protests ment in an attempt to resist dispersal.
made by land tillers all over the country. Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena said the
The controversy is already the second one involving farming- clergy is in solidarity with the farmers in their
related projects with the first one being the P728 million fertilizer clamor for land.
fund scam. (CBCPNews) Illustration by Bladimer Usi Dispersal / A6
 World News
CBCP Monitor
A2 Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009

‘Apostle of the Lepers,’ Spanish

mystic among 10
to be canonized
VATICAN CITY, February 16, 2009—
Today the Vatican announced that it
will recognize 10 blesseds as saints on
February 21 in a ceremony at the Vati-
can. Among the soon-to-be canonized
is Bl. Damian de Veuster, a Belgian
missionary who spent much of his life
in Hawaii caring for lepers.
The ceremony, which is called a con-
sistory, will take place in the Vatican’s
Clementine Hall at 11:00 a.m. on Feb-
ruary 21 and will officially recognize
as saints 10 blesseds who hail from
Portugal to Italy.
In addition to Bl. Damian, Bl. Rafael
Arnáiz Barón, is unique because he died
at the young age of 27 of a diabetic
coma. He was a member of the Cister-
that she believes the person in question
lived a saintly life worthy of imitation and
of the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar
(PICPUS).
that the sainted person is in Heaven. - Blessed Bernardo Tolomei, Italian
A full list of the blesseds who will be founder of the Olivetan Benedictine
canonized follows. Congregation.
- Blessed Zygmunt Szczesny Felinski, - Blessed Rafael Arnaiz Baron, Span-
Polish former archbishop of Warsaw and ish oblate friar of the Order of Cister-
founder of the Congregation of Francis- cians of the Strict Observance.
can Sisters of the Family of Mary. - Blessed Nuno di Santa Maria Alva-
- Blessed Arcangelo Tadini, Italian res Pereira, Portuguese religious of the
diocesan priest and founder of the Con- Order of Friars of the Blessed Virgin
gregation of Worker Sisters of the Holy Mary of Mount Carmel.
House of Nazareth. - Blessed Gertrude Comensoli (nee
- Blessed Francesc Coll y Guitart, Caterina), Italian virgin and foundress
Spanish professed priest of the Order of the Institute of Sisters of the Blessed
of Friars Preachers and founder of the Sacrament.
Congregation of the Dominican Sisters - Blessed Mary of the Cross Jugan (nee
of the Annunciation of the Blessed Jeanne), French virgin and foundress of

cian’s of the Strict Observance and is
considered one the greatest mystics of
the 20th century.
When the Catholic Church canonizes
a person, it is a statement by the Church
© www.vietcatholic.net
Virgin Mary. the Congregation of the Little Sisters of
- Blessed Jozef Damian de Veuster, the Poor.
Belgian professed priest of the Congre- - Blessed Caterina Volpicelli, Italian vir-
gation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and gin and foundress of the Institute of Hand-
Mary, and of the Perpetual Adoration maidens of the Sacred Heart. (CNA)

Benedict XVI lauds Pius XI’s Twelve year-old becomes

YouTube hit by explaining
opposition to Nazism
VATICAN CITY, Febru- name has resonated on sev- Spain, and the confrontations triggered by
the tragedy of abortion
ary 16, 2009—Benedict eral occasions, as with the lu- totalitarianism—national socialism and
XVI is recognizing Pope cidity of a lofty outlook and fascism—which arose and were consolidated
Pius XI’s work in opposi- indomitable will he was the in those years.
tion of Nazism and totali- real founder and first builder “In Germany, his great encyclical ‘Mit
tarianism in the 1930s. of Vatican City State. Brennender Sorge’ has not been forgotten, as
The German Pope re- “Moreover, the historical a strong sign against Nazism.” The encycli-
called the papacy of Achille studies on his pontificate, cal’s impact was so evident that Adolf Hitler
Ratti (1922-1939) in an ad- which continue to take place, ordered Reinhard Heydrich, head of the
dress Saturday on the 80th make us perceive increasing- Gestapo, to seize and destroy all copies.
anniversary of the creation ly the greatness of Pope Rat- Benedict XVI asserted: “The wise and
of Vatican City State. ti, who guided the Church in strong work of this Pontiff truly awakens
He acknowledged Pope the difficult years between admiration, who only wished for the Church
Pius XI as “the first and the two World Wars.” the freedom that would allow her to carry
© www.rso.cornell.edu

main architect and pro-
tagonist of the Lateran
Pacts,” which led to the
birth of the Vatican state.
At this moment, the Holy
See was given sovereignty over this small
piece of land, ensuring the pope’s gover-
nance of the Church outside of the taxation
policies of Italy, which was then ruled by
Prime Minister Benito Mussolini.
Benedict XVI recalled “the Pope of my
childhood, whom we looked upon with so
much veneration and love.”
He continued: “Precisely in these days his
The Holy Father acknowl- out her mission integrally.
edged how his predecessor “Vatican City State […] was also considered
“stimulated ecclesial action by Pius XI as an instrument to guarantee the CNA STAFF, February 16, 2009—An unnamed 12 year-old girl
in its many dimensions: Let necessary independence from all human au- has become a hit on YouTube because of the simplicity and
us recall the missionary ex- thority, to give the Church and her supreme eloquence with which she explains the tragedy of abortion.
pansion, attention to the formation of God’s Pastor the possibility to fully comply with the “Every day, 115,000 are dying through abortion… a hundred
ministers, promotion of the activity of the mandate received from Christ the Lord. and fifteen thousand! That means that 5,000 children will die ev-
lay faithful in the Church and in society, The usefulness and benefit of this small ery hour. That means all those lives, gone! All that potential, gone!
and the intense relationship with the civil but complete reality for the Holy See, for And all that hope in the future gone!” says the young girl, reading
community.” the Church, as well as for Rome and the from a script and very naturally addressing the camera.
He added: “During his pontificate, the whole world, was seen just 10 years later,
In her presentation, the young girl summarizes the pro-life
‘librarian Pope’ had to address the difficul- when World War II broke out, a war whose
counter arguments to most of the pro-abortion objections, in-
ties and persecutions that the Church was violence and sufferings reached the doors of
cluding the usually ignored fact of Post Abortion Syndrome.
suffering in countries such as Mexico and the Vatican.” (Zenit)
“My daughter prepared and delivered this speech for her

Southern Africa bishops call on Mugabe

grade 7 class. Even those who didn’t agree with her loved it,”
writes the anonymous poster of the video.
But after 403 comments, she had to turn off the comment
function for the video.

to relinquish power
bishop of Johannesburg Buti
Tlhagale, the statement resulted
from a Praetoria meeting be-
tween the bishops of Botswana,
South Africa and Swaziland.
According to the Catholic
Information Service for Africa
(CISA), the bishops called on
© www.lutheranworld.org
Community (SADC), which
opened another summit on Zim-
babwe in Pretoria on Monday, to
stop supporting and giving cred-
ibility to the Mugabe regime.
“Failing this, SADC leaders
accept complicity in creating the
conditions that have resulted in
“This was not to stop genuine discussion or debate on the
issue but was, rather, a response to the cowardly who used it
as an opportunity to throw insults and threats at a young girl
that they hated without reason.”
The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=wOR1wUqvJS4&e. (CNA)
First Korean cardinal dies at age 87
SEOUL, South
Korea, February

PRETORIA, South Africa, Jan-
uary 28, 2009—The Catholic
bishops of southern Africa have
accused Zimbabwe President
Robert Mugabe of perpetrat-
ing genocide, saying, “We, the
Catholic bishops of southern
regional leaders to cut ties with starvation, displacement, disease 16, 2009—Cardi-
Mugabe, warning that a failure and death for ordinary Zimba- nal Stephen Kim
to do so would make them guilty bweans. This is nothing short of Sou-hwan, Ko-
of “passive genocide.” passive genocide,” the bishops rea’s first cardi-
“The appalling tragedy in said, CISA reports. nal, died on Feb.
Zimbabwe means that the time They urged that Mugabe step 16 in Seoul. He
Africa, call on Mugabe to step of talking is over,” the bishops down to allow a coalition interim was 87.
down immediately.” said. They asserted that media- government to be formed for the Cardinal Kim
Their remarks came in a Tues- tion and negotiations have failed, purposes of national recovery died of old age at
day statement from the South- claiming that six months of talks and to prepare for immediate 6:12 p.m. at Kang-
ern African Catholic Bishops have resulted in stalemate. internationally supervised and nam St. Mary
Conference (SACBC). Presented They called on the 15-member credible presidential elections. Hospital in Seoul,
by SACBC president and Arch- Southern African Development (CNA) according to Seoul
archdiocese. His body will be moved to Seoul’s Myeongdong

Guwahati archbishop mediates between Muslims and tribal Hindu Cathedral. Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalized, an arch-
diocesan official said half an hour after the cardinal’s death.
Cardinal Kim was born on May 8, 1922, according to the
MUMBAI, India, February 12, 2009—Mus- row that has led to tens of dead and thou- a majority in some districts. Bodos are in-
lims and Hindus have agreed to peace talks sands of fleeing their homes. digenous and some groups within the com- lunar calendar, in Taegu, during Japanese colonialism. He was
at the initiative of Archbishop Thomas In early October 2008 Bodo and Muslims munity have been created to fight the central ordained a priest on Sept. 15, 1951 during the Korean War and
Menamparampil of Guwahati, in the State clashed and burned each other’s houses in government for an independent state. made Bishop of Masan in 1966.
of Assam. Leaders of the local Muslim and Udalguri and Darrang districts. Muslims, Tensions broke into open warfare when Pope Paul VI named him Seoul metropolitan in 1968. The
Bodo tribal communities met to sort out a who are out-of-state migrants, have become Bodos began calling for Muslims to leave. following year the pope made him the first Korean cardinal as
Quickly violence escalated to engulf 35 well as the youngest cardinal in the world at that time, at the
Vatican watcher: Pope has chosen Archbishop villages, causing 50 dead and hundreds of
wounded. About 60,000 people were forced
age of 46.
Cardinal Kim in 1998 resigned as Seoul archbishop and
Timothy Dolan for New York to leave their homes for the relative safety of
32 camps set up by the Indian army.
apostolic administrator of Pyongyang diocese in North Korea.
Bishop Nicholas Cheong Jin-suk, now cardinal, succeeded him
ROME, Italy, February 13, 2009—The well-connected Italian journalist Paolo Rodari, But for Monsignor Menamparampil the in the two posts.
who writes for Il Reformista, is reporting that Archbishop Timothy Dolan of Milwaukee first meeting last February 5 was an “unbe- Cardinal Kim and the local Church came to be seen as defend-
will soon be announced as the new head of the most important U.S. diocese. lievably great breakthrough.” ers of human rights against dictatorships in the 1970s and 1980s,
Church watchers have been itching to hear who will replace Cardinal Edward Egan for A spokesperson for the Guwahati diocese and Seoul’s Myongdong Cathedral was seen as a prominent
almost two years and as Rodari reports, “the announcement should arrive shortly.” said that local Christians waited for the meet- symbol of the people’s aspiration for democratization. Many
Rumors have been circulating with increasing frequency over the past several weeks, ing’s outcome with “great anxiety” because local people have called the late cardinal the guardian of human
including a January 29 report by Edward Pentin on Newsmax.com that pointed specu- they were not sure of the Muslim response. rights and democracy.
lation in the direction of Dolan. Representatives of the Muslim and tribal His road to the priesthood was not easy, he often recalled.
Rodari reports today that Il Riformista has “collected leaks” that say “Pope Benedict communities agreed to avoid any “further He was forced to serve in the Japanese army during the Second
XVI has decided on Archbishop Timothy Dolan of Milwaukee.” instance of violence” and establish a joint World War when he was a seminarian.
Rodari also claims that although other American prelates would have preferred a Muslim-tribal peace team. Cardinal Kim was also instrumental in founding the Federa-
stronger personality to take on the Obama Administration’s animus towards Catholics, “A clearly good start has been made,” tion of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
Dolan is being tapped as a pastoral leader with a “soft touch.” Archbishop Menamparampil said, adding His contribution to the Church in Asia received symbolic ac-
Agreeing with Pentin’s earlier report, Rodari says that Archbishop of Hartford Henry Man- that much work still remains to be done. knowledgment through his serving as one of the three president
sell, Archbishop of Atlanta Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Newark John Myers and the Arch- Also, the “conflicting groups are eager for a delegates of the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for
bishop of San Juan, Puerto Rico Roberto Gonzalez Nieves, were all in the running. (CNA) settlement,” he noted, adding that government Asia held at the Vatican in 1998. (UCAN)
involvement will be important. (AsiaNews)

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
Rediscover confession,
urges Benedict XVI
VATICAN CITY, February 15, 2009―Sin
is what puts distance between the believer
and God, and it’s the sacrament of confes-
Calls it sacrament of forgiveness
sion that brings the two back together, says
Benedict XVI.
The Pope said this today in a Gospel
reflection on Mark’s account of the healed
leper, which he delivered before praying the
midday Angelus with those gathered in St.
Peter’s Square.
In the Gospel account, recalls the Pontiff,
the leper “gets on his knees and says: ‘If you
wish, you can make me clean!’ Jesus, moved,
stretches out his hand, touches him and says:
‘I do wish it. Be made clean!’”
“According to the ancient Jewish law,”
the Holy Father explained, “leprosy was not
only considered a sickness but the gravest
form of ‘impurity.’”
He continued: “Leprosy thus constituted a
kind of religious and civil death, and its heal-
ing was a kind of resurrection. We might see
in leprosy a symbol of sin, which is the true
impurity of heart, distancing us from God.
NASSA Benedict XVI prays for guidance
welcomes as Vatican marks 80 years
safety nets
for displaced
workers
MANILA, February 9, 2009─The CBCP Na-
tional Secretariat for Social Action, Justice and
Peace has welcomed the detailed safety nets
the Arroyo administration plans to provide
to assist local and foreign-based workers who
lost their jobs due to global financial crisis.
The safety nets include assistance in the
form of alternative sources of income provided
to global crisis–affected workers, short-term
emergency employment to affected workers
to meet their daily basis needs, assistance to
connect the displaced workers to employment
opportunities through retooling, training and
upgrading and assistance to retrenched work-
ers to ease their financial burdens.
Sister Rosanne Mallillin, SPC, NASSA Ex-
ecutive Secretary said she looks forward to a
successful implementation of the important
strategies coming at the heels of reports about
local and foreign-based workers losing their
jobs due to the global economic meltdown.
“The Catholic church can identify the
people, the sectors, the specific individuals
who could avail of the job opportunities and
challenge various government agencies to
deliver,” said Mallilin in an interview Monday
afternoon.
She said dioceses with active Basic Eccle-
sial Communities or BECs may gather all the
information about displaced workers and
present them to their respective provincial
governments and even government line agen-
cies to help out.
“We’ll identify the possible sectors, specific
individuals and communities who can avail
of these projects,” she added.
The government has sought the Catholic
Church’s assistance to monitor the wide array
of “safety nets” for displaced workers. She
said they can provide the government the
necessary “feedback on what’s really happen-
ing in their dioceses.”
“The Church can ask for specific allocations
on a per province basis and which communi-
ties have been tapped and how much money
has been allocated,” she added.
She cited the government’s plan to enlist
a nurse for every village, receiving a salary
of P8,000.00 from the national government
and an additional P2,000 from the LGU.
Asked if all LGUs would be able to defray
the complementary P2,000.00 to their nurses,
Mallilin said it would be “relative to the LGU’s
capability and priorities.”
Asked if the massive assistance to displaced
workers would not be used for the coming
political exercise in 2010, Sr. Rosanne said
it is the government’s obligation to provide
livelihood to its people.
“This is what government owes us, hindi
natin ito utang sa gobyerno ito ay obligasyon
na dapat i-deliver nila sa atin,” the church
official said.
Caritas Philippines Foundation together
with the Trade Union Congress of the Philip-
pines, Federation of Free Workers and other
church-based groups and non-government
organizations will act as conduits of govern-
ment for information dissemination on assis-
tance packages and for training, retooling and
livelihood projects. (Melo M. Acuna)
News Features
A3
“It is not, in effect, physical malady that
distances us from him, as the ancient norms
supposed, but sin, the spiritual and moral
evil.”
Benedict XVI reflected: “The sins we com-
mit distance us from God, and, if they are
not humbly confessed, trusting in the divine
mercy, they will finally bring about the death
of the soul. This miracle thus has powerful
symbolic value.
“In the Sacrament of Penance Christ cruci-
fied and risen, through his ministers, puri-
fies us with his infinite mercy, restores us to
communion with the heavenly Father and
our brothers, and makes a gift of his love,
joy and peace to us.”
Dear brothers and sisters,” he concluded,
“let us invoke the Virgin Mary, whom God
© pope2008.typepad.com
preserved from every stain of sin, that she
help us to avoid sin and to have frequent
recourse to the sacrament of confession, the
sacrament of forgiveness, whose value and
importance for our Christian life needs to be
rediscovered today.” (Zenit)
VATICAN CITY, February 13, 2009―Celebrating
the 80th anniversary of the foundation of the Vati-
can City State, Pope Benedict attended a concert
of those protagonists,” the
venerated Pius XI who, “in
announcing the signing
featuring both a choral and orchestra from Dublin, of the Lateran Pacts and,
Ireland. Afterwards, the Holy Father addressed especially, the foundation
the audience and prayed that God would continue of Vatican City State, chose
to watch over the small state. to use an expression of St.
The concert took place last night at the Paul
VI Hall, and featured a performance of Handel’s
“Messiah” by Our Lady’s Chorale Society and the
RTE Concert Orchestra, both from Dublin, Ireland.
Francis of Assisi. He said
that the new sovereign sta-
tus was for the Church, as
it had been for St. Francis,
The concert was part of a series of events organized ‘just enough body to hold
to commemorate the anniversary, with the theme: the soul together’.”
© www.crossroadsinitiative.com
“A small territory for a great mission.” The Holy Father then
After the concert concluded, the Holy Father asked the Lord, who
expressed his gratitude for the celebration saying, “guides the fortunes of the
“I would like to thank all the people who have ‘Ship of Peter’ among the
contributed to solemnize such an important mo- not-always easy events of
ment for the Catholic Church.” Reflecting on the history, to continue to watch
past 80 years of the city-state’s existence, he added over this small State.”
that it is also important to pay tribute to the chief “Above all,” he continued,
“protagonists” throughout “these eight decades of “let us ask Him to help, with the power of His Spirit, Pe- try as the foundation of unity of the Catholic Church,
history of this small parcel of land.” ter’s Successor who stands at the helm of this ship, that which has its visible center in the Vatican whence it
The Pontiff then recalled “the most important he may faithfully and effectively undertake his minis- expands to all the corners of the earth.” (CNA)
Vatican has problem with evolution
only when it becomes an ideology
ROME, Italy, February 12, 2009―Father Marc absurd pretentions of social Darwinism.”
Leclerc, professor of Natural Philosophy at the “Evolution and creation pose no opposition to
Gregorian Pontifical University of Rome, explained each other, but rather they show themselves to be
in a recent article for L’Osservatore Romano that complementary,” the priest added.
there is no problem with the theory of evolution. He went on to say, “Reflection on the place of
The problem, he said, lies in the ideology that is man in evolution and in creation” is of particular
created as part of the theory. importance. Man, as a living being, can find his
In his article, the Jesuit priest said that in the past, own place in the evolution of species which, when
and much more so in the present, “many, whether read post factum, had prepared for his coming for
they are fans and foes of Darwin, have confused a long time. But man cannot reduce himself to a
his scientific theory of evolution—which should pure product of the evolution of species without
be discussed at a scientific level by competent contradictions: in other words, man is not reducible
persons—with the reduction of it to an ideologi- to mere animality.”
cal system, a vision of the world that forcibly falls “Good philosophical criticism shows that man
upon on all men.” can justify the first beginnings of his knowledge,”
Father Leclerc underscored that “as then Cardinal Father Leclerc argued. “The human being has a ca-
Ratzinger rightly wrote, the controversy has not come from the theory of pacity for reflection, self-knowledge, and freedom that necessarily transcends
evolution as such, but from the turning some of its elements into a universal pure animality and cannot be simply the product of evolution,” he added.
philosophy, in order to explain all of reality’.” “As Catholic theology rightly affirms,” he continued, “each human person is
Darwin, he noted, “applied his theory of natural selection to how our spe- the object of a singular creative act by God, who also inserts himself naturally
cies emerged, but not to the functioning of current human societies, under- in the homo sapiens species, and appears at the end as the culmination of
scoring instead as a beneficial aspect for the species the acquisition of moral an immense evolutionary process about which some secrets are now being
and religious faculties that lead man to protect the weakest, contrary to the discovered.” (CNA)
Lagdameo challenges CBCP officials to develop theology
of stewardship
Our Lady of the Reparatrix Center, Tagaytay City. “The Spirituality of Stewardship would then be
The CBCP president told participants that the an overarching value that will provide other related
spirituality of stewardship is a common way each values such as cooperation, co-responsibility, part-
one can adopt in accomplishing respective respon- nership, collaboration, interdependence, solidarity,
MANILA, February 15, 2009―The head of the Cath- sibilities, “in the spirit of unity in diversity.” servanthood and subsidiarity,” said Lagdameo.
olic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) “Each one of us, each one of you, may consider He said the spirituality of stewardship would
has challenged the executive secretaries of Episcopal himself/herself as a steward, steward not only bring a shared approach to the various concerns
Commissions to develop a “comprehensive theol- of the bishop-head of the commission, but more of the Church.
ogy of stewardship” as decreed by PCP II. importantly of God himself in the work of your “Through you, individually and collectively, the
In his homily during the opening mass of a one- commission,” he said. Philippine Church will be in a state of steward-
day seminar for Episcopal Commission secretar- As stewards, he said, one is not the absolute ship,” said Lagdameo.
ies, CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Angel owner or master of himself and possessions, nor “This you will do together with the priests,
Lagdameo said the group might just have to sit the world of nature and of grace. religious and other lay people and of course, with
together again to articulate a He stressed that everything the bishops, who are the primary stewards in their
theology of stewardship for the has been received as gift and respective local churches,” he added.
CBCP. talent from God. Expressions of stewardship include the spend-
“It is hoped that through your “We must use them as grate- ing and use of God’s gifts such as time, talents and
group one of the decrees of PCP ful, accountable and responsible treasures for God and neighbor.
II will come to life, which says persons, in accordance with the The February 13 conference came at the heels of
‘The Church through the initia- intention or plan of the Divine a 4-day journey on the Spirituality of Stewardship
tive of CBCP should develop Owner, to promote the common attended by over 100 participants from 18 dioceses
a comprehensive theology of good and to establish the reign of and 4 Episcopal Commissions.
stewardship…’(Art. 31, sec 1). It God in the hearts of men,” said The Tagaytay meeting is the sixth in a series
has never been done. Will it be Lagdameo. of gatherings on the Spirituality of Stewardship,
© CBCP Media
done this year? Through you? Citing the various Commis- made possible by the partnership of St. Thomas
That is the challenge I am put- sions’ diverse ministries he en- More Parish, in Denver, Colorado and the Socio-
ting on you,” Lagdameo said. couraged each one to bring the Pastoral Institute.
Lagdameo was the convenor of spirituality of stewardship to a Cebu was the site of the 2003 conference; Pius
the seminar-workshop on Spiri- CBCP President and Jaro archbishop wider spectrum according to the XII in Manila in 2005; Lucena in 2006; and practi-
Angel Lagdameo was the convenor of
tuality of Stewardship (Buhay- the day-long seminar on the Spirituality Commission’s sphere of activity tioners gathered twice in Tagaytay in 2008. (Pinky
Katiwala) held February 13 at the of Stewardship last February 13. and influence. Barrientos, FSP)
 Opinion
CBCP Monitor
A4 Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009

EDITORIAL

Where’s the buck?

WHILE there are economic woes and distress even in the supposedly
“First World Countries” with much wealth and big affluence, and while
there are understandably more serious financial fears and considerable
depression in so called “Developing Countries” long since already
wallowing in poverty and hunger, the over-all fundamental as well as
practical question is the same: “Where have all the money gone?” Is
it not true that in the course of time, not only international economic
giants but also national financial dwarfs are all manufacturing more and
more money of all kinds and sizes? Is it not also true that practically
all governments in all the continents of the world continue issuing
more and more “Treasury Bills” of different nature and with diverse
schemes for economic gains of both sellers and buyers?
Hence, the “million dollar” question or over-all basic composite
legitimate query is the following: Where have all the money and
the wealth, all the capital and their income gone? Why is there now
a so called “Global Financial Crisis”, an “Economic Tsunami”—or
other expressions with all conceivable titles forwarding but one and
the same enigma, viz., why are commercial banks closing its doors,
manufacturing companies decimating their work forces, industrial
corporations lessening their output and thereby diminishing both
their capital and labor? Something must be radically wrong with the
capitalism system the way it has been long since followed and practiced
by many countries in the world. Consequently, there must be also some
economic inquest done and follow-up remedial actions done.
The now often heard proposed “Bail-out Scheme”, the loudly
contemplated “Stimulus Package”, the “Dole Out System” now
practiced in the Philippines even if merely for political purposes,
are good to hear and imagine but probably or eventually futile to
altogether remedy the world’s big financial liability bordering on
economic depression. But just the same, it is both necessary and
useful to answer the persisting question: Where’s the buck?
For certain, they could not simply vanish into thin air and wherefore
must be somewhere. It is also a certainty that they could not have
been simply burned, thrown into the ocean or anything similarly Illustration by Bladimer Usi
ridiculous. The money cannot but be here and there. Where? In the
pockets of financial oligarchs and big time CEOs. In the possession
of supercrooks, big drug syndicates and eminent corporate gamblers.
In the safekeeping of war freaks and weapon manufacturers. These
Francisco F. Claver, SJ
and other dregs of humanity have the money. And they will in effect
continue having more if governments themselves are either the
ones that are in fact getting and keeping all the money or they are
Solidarity and
in cahoots with big crooks and criminals, or they have neither the
intent nor the will to get the money back into public circulation. The
trust is liberalistic capitalism, socialistic radicalism and corruption
Afterthoughts citizenship building
unlimited—all these make money disappear sooner or later.
IT’S an unyielding mystery to many observers of the Philippine solidarity the focal points of our effort at renewal. For in the noxious
But then, man does not live on bread alone—he also keeps sighing scene how we Filipinos are so thin-skinned about any slur, real climate of corruption we live under these days, it is precisely the
for a pie in the sky, by and by.
or imagined, that foreigners cast on us as a people; but when year lack of authentic citizenship and solidarity that characterizes those
in, year out, studies on corruption world-wide invariably place us among us who are notorious for battening, at our expense, off the
The Visiting Forces Agreement among the lowest ranked, i.e., the most corrupt, of all the countries poisoned fruits of corruption. It is the lack too in those of us who
surveyed, we hear not a word of protest, not even a whimper. Pos- accept without a murmur of protest the destructive evil that their
WE are at present in the midst of a controversy regarding the VFA sibly because we do not need those studies to tell us something we unfettered corruption is causing the nation.
or Visiting Forces Agreement. Like all Filipinos we are concerned already know in our guts to be the unvarnished truth? Yet it is not just any kind of citizenship or solidarity that we must
about this agreement for it concerns the common good toward which The mystery is deepened when we consider how we take inordi- build to spur us on to action. Not sheer patriotism or nationalism.
every member of the political community should contribute. nate pride in our being “the only Christian nation in Asia” (a title Not pride in ourselves as a people or love of country that puts loy-
Brief comments: The VFA was signed in Manila on 10 February no longer ours since 2002 when East Timor became independent), alty to nation above everything else. Not any of these. Neither is
1998 by Secretary Domingo L. Siazon, Jr. and Ambassador Thomas yet somehow are not bothered much, if at all, by the negation of the solidarity we seek just any kind of unified thinking or action,
C. Hubbard. It is very similar to the Draft Status of Forces Agreement that proud claim by the corruption that has become so entrenched any kind of cooperative work or endeavor for a common end. The
(SOFA) which was strongly criticized by some people. The VFA was in our nation’s life. What this strange fact seems to point to is that citizenship and solidarity we need and must build cannot but be
signed without public consultation. Everything was done in secret. we are all somehow willing accomplices in the crime of the guilty Christian citizenship and Christian solidarity, that is, citizenship
few among our people. But are we? and solidarity that are solidly sourced in the faith of the Gospel and
Art. 1 is vaguely worded. What activities are envisioned? Military Lent will soon be upon us, a time of conversion, of renewal. It that impel us to work selflessly, mightily, for the common good.
training exercises? Military combat operations in the Philippines? is as good a time to ask that question seriously for our renewal as Such was the citizenship and solidarity that the late Pope John Paul
Live ammunitions are sometimes used in military training exercises. a Christian people. Since our Alay Kapwa theme for this year is II, in his time, exhorted us again and again to develop and nurture
These pose danger to human lives and animals. They also destroy Citizenship Building and Solidarity towards a Culture of Peace and in ourselves.
the environment. Integrity of Creation, we can’t do worse than make citizenship and Afterthoughts / A6

All the exemptions mentioned in Articles III, IV, VII and VIII make Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS
the US personnel special class of persons. Treated much better than

How is your WQ?

Filipinos!
Criminal jurisdiction is a contentious issue. The VFA does not
resolve it. As a matter of fact Article V seems to surrender national
sovereignty to the US authorities. An Official Duty Certificate is all
that is needed to remove criminal jurisdiction from Philippine courts
on erring US personnel. In effect the Official Duty Certificate grants
US forces diplomatic immunity.
The agreement does not specify in clear and concise terms the extent
of access to and movement within, the Philippines of US forces
“visiting” in the Philippines. Area of coverage could be the entire
country. How about the number of US personnel? How long will
they stay? No one knows!
What if the US forces bring into the country nuclear weapons? The
VFA is silent on this constitutional ban. Philippine authorities could
not inspect US vessels and aircrafts.
The VFA does not foster the independence of the Philippines. What
an irony. We just celebrated the centenary of our independence.
This agreement will instead promote sexual adventurism and
promiscuity, HIV-AIDS, and the exploitation of the Filipinos. It will
pollute and degrade the environment.
Conclusion: Above premises considered, the VFA as it presently
stands should be rejected.
If it is going to be renegotiated, all the ambiguous details mentioned
above should be clarified. Any final agreement must have the character
of a treaty made between two sovereign nations, not between a master
and a lackey. In the matter of jurisdiction over crimes committed by
visiting US personnel someone should look into similar agreement
between the United States and, for example, Spain, Britain, Turkey,
et al.
-- Pastoral Statement on the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA),
1998
REMEMBER how for a many decades the
question was “How is her or his IQ?” Then
it became more mod to say “It is the EQ that
matters and that should be developed in chil-
dren, rather than IQ”. Lately, with so much
concern for wholeness and integrity, the
question has become “Are you developing
your SQ?” Just yesterday, though, we had
an Indian nun speak to us on “The Prophetic
Ministry of Jesus”. Sr. Inigo, a member of the
St. Anne Congregation, spoke to us on how
much WQ was lacking among Christians.
Otherwise, there would be so many more
Christians by now if we were only practic-
ing our WQ!
No need to explain what the acronym
IQ is, right? You know, or maybe you have
forgotten that it is for Intelligence Quotient
because you have been dwelling so much
now on your EQ or Emotional Quotient.
After having gone for retreat of some kind of
spiritual deepening, has your SQ or Spiritual
Quotient increased somehow?
What then is WQ? Sr. Inigo explained to
us that it means the WILL QUOTIENT. And
the 90 of us in the audience spontaneously
exclaimed—“aaah,” definitely agreeing
with her. We have used words “political
will”, “commitment”, and “determina-
tion”. But this was the first time that we
heard of the phrase “will quotient”. And
it made sense.
Living the Christian life is not simply get-
ting good grades in theology or even becom-
ing a Bible scholar. Being a good Catholic is
not piety, even if piety is a virtue.
Involving in charitable works does not
make one a Christian—there are many ef-
fective and admirable social workers and
missionaries from other religions and even
among atheists.
But how many are truly living the life of
Christ 24/7 times 52 weeks a year from year
to year? We are not saints, we retort. And
maybe that is the problem—we do not have
enough mystics who will listen to the silence
of God in our hearts so that we can discover
His will and thus conform our will to that
Will. There are not enough martyrs who will
suffer willingly the day to day demands of
life’s discomforts, call to justice, compassion
to the least, the lost and the last. And we
certainly do not have enough prophets who
will not compromise truth and the search
for peace and equality in this severely un-
fair world of social, political and economic
divides. Until now, the tragedy of the Tower
of Babel continues to sow division—notice
Love Life
how this story is in Genesis 11, and the World
Trade Center disaster is referred to as the
9/11 tragedy.
Indeed, as Mahatma Gandhi summarized,
observing so much evil around him, there
is nothing wrong with Christianity, it is
just that Christianity has never really been
tried.
There are too many temptations around
us. The devil in Eden, as well as the Satan
following Jesus during his 40 days in the
desert, evermore astutely taunts us.
While we claim to be looking for Manna
and the Bread of Heaven, Satan is very
happy to change the stones into the latest
mobile phones, laptops, components, SUVs
and slimming and skin whitening products.
We kneel before the golden calf and before
Satan himself with all his promises as we
compromise our values. And we keep testing
God to protect us from falling but we prefer
short-cut methods and quick results. We
return to our busyness not giving enough
time to recognize the presence of God and
his stirrings in our life.
Sr. Inigo ended the two-day reflection ses-
sions by briefly describing Jesus—He came
to turn the world upside down. In fact, He
came to turn it right-side up!

Rev. Euly B. Belizar, SThD

Coping with the crisis

ISSN 1908-2940

CBCP Monitor
Protagonist of Tr u t h , Promoter of Peace
By the Roadside
LATELY the headlines are as much telling as they are alarming. bers and his own (he shot himself). It appears that when all hope is
Pedro C. Quitorio Otherwise reliable companies report huge losses. Or that they are gone, so is sanity.
Editor-in-Chief closing. Millions are losing jobs worldwide. Locally the country’s On the other hand, although we encounter cases of this sort in
supposed economic resiliency, often touted by the government as the Philippines, in the average Filipino psyche the father’s deed,
Pinky Barrientos, FSP Kris P. Bayos something we can count on, are getting painful reality checks. OFWs with or without the wife’s and his children’s consent, is almost
Associate Editor Feature Editor are losing their jobs by the thousands; so are local workers in affected unthinkable.
companies, for now foreign-owned ones. Hunger and criminality I remember talking last Sunday to a group of churchgoers during
Melo M. Acuña Laarni Bergado are on the rise. Fuel, food and fare rates continually do a see-saw. my homily in a poor barangay chapel of our parish. “Naabat ba kamo
Managing Editor Marketing Supervisor Hence, the pervading sense of gloom. hit’ krisis? (Do you feel the economic crisis?)” I asked them. They
The twin products of the global economic crunch, very palpable smiled and said, “(Siempre, Padre) Of course, Father.” It struck me
Roy Q. Lagarde Ernani M. Ramos
News Editor Circulation Manager even where we stand, are fear and a certain desperation. It’s not too that they could just smile at the mere mention of the crisis. Then
hard to sense that the degree of their seriousness could be greater in it hit me: They have been going through economic crisis all their
Laurence John R. Morales Marcelita Dominguez families, cultures and societies habituated to more materially pros- lives (it’s also called ‘rural poverty’). “When have we been out of a
Layout Artist and Online Editor Comptroller perous conditions. I find it instructive to go back to 1929 America crisis, anyway?” someone asked me facetiously. “The only difference
through the eyes of the movie The Day the Bubble Burst which zeroes these days is that it’s now being shared by more and more people
The CBCP Monitor is published fortnightly by the CBCP Com- in on the stock market crash that led to the era of economic depres- in the world.”
munications Development Foundation, Inc., with editorial and sion in the U.S. Then, as now, fortunes and jobs were lost, and with I say the attitude of our rural poor in that chapel has educated
business offices at 470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila.
them, hope. Recently the tragedy of a California family, flashed me on what living faith does. Material deprivation (as many of
P.O. Box 3601, 1076 MCPO.
Editorial: (063) 404-2182. Business: (063)404-1612. globally in the headlines, and promptly forgotten by the public in our rural folks are characterized by) does not necessarily mean an
Email: cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.net the cacophony of other competing news items, continue to haunt me impoverished spirit. When faith is misdirected, say, when it is put
Website: www.cbcpworld.net/cbcpmonitor to this day. A father who lost his job, savings and financial resources in material prosperity alone or mainly, any economic crisis could
due to the economic crisis caused the deaths of all his family mem- Roadside / A6
 Opinion
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
A5
Oscar V. Cruz, DD Jose B. Lugay

‘No ransom policy’

Views and Points
TIME and again as predictable as the ris-
ing and falling of the sun, and as certain as
certainty can be, the long standing mantra
of this ruling administration in any and
all cases of kidnapping in the country is
infallibly one and the same—ad nauseam:
“No Ransom Policy”. And rightly so if such
“Policy” were continuously upheld and con-
sistently observed—no “ifs” no “buts”.
Such a policy option is right and just in
the light of the following three principles:
One, rewarding any big criminal act with
any grand or even minimal reward is in
the realm of irrationality. Two, putting any
price tag on human life is not only gross
materialism but also a flagrant insult. Three,
the maxim that “Crime does not pay” would
be but a joke.
But over and above all arguments in
favor of the “No Ransom Policy” is the
practical reality that to follow instead a
“Ransom Policy” is in effect to eventually
encourage kidnapping, hostage taking and
other akin acts against human persons. In
other words, it can be rightfully said that
the “No Ransom Policy”—in line with the
general ethical rule that evil should not be
Silver Jubilee of Mati
rewarded with good—is not but a mere
option but an elementary mandate of right
reason. To do the contrary is precisely to
inspire kidnappers and to thus promote
kidnappings.
The now relevant and persistent ques-
tion is why is it that with the “No Ransom
Policy” repeatedly shouted to high heav-
ens by this administration, serial kidnap-
pings precisely continue to happen? Why
are innocent men and women, uniformed
men and civilians, Filipinos and foreigners
are almost regularly kidnapped? In fact,
why is it that kidnapping in the country
has practically become a lucrative quasi
standard business? Is this not the certain
and certified argument that the policy is a
sham, that ransoms are paid in exchange
for kidnapped victims, that kidnappers
wherefore are in effect encouraged to
kidnap again and again?
This is not in any way meant to say
that the human rights, dignity and life
especially of kidnapped victims are not
worth respecting, defending and saving,
respectively. By all means, yes! What is
instead meant is that this government
Bp. Guillermo V. Afable, DD
either in truth altogether observe its often
invoked “No Ransom Policy” or altogether
as well junk it. For it to shout one thing and
to do exactly the opposite, or even to have a
selective observance of the policy—such is
the height of hypocrisy just as discrimina-
tion is odious.
In short, while the present administra-
tion is not exactly a repository of trust
much less a symbol of honestly, let it be
at least—even in this particular matter—
be open and transparent in responding
to the rather common phenomenon of
kidnapping specially in Mindanao. What
is it really, for heavens sake? “No Ransom
Policy”, “Ransom Policy”, “Selective Ran-
som Policy” or simply “We do not know
what Policy”? Or ridiculously, “Any of the
above Policy”?
While the above could sound flippant, at
least this government should say what it
really means and thereby does what it truly
wants—and not as usual says something
and does exactly the opposite. Again: The
“No Ransom Policy” of this government is
squarely belied by the one too many con-
tinuous kidnappings in this country!
Laiko Lampstand
The art of collusion
and bid-rigging
by the Filipino cartel
FOR weeks on end now, the headlines scream about the World
Bank report on collusion and bid-rigging. Many names have
been included in the melee: the First Gentleman, Jose Miguel
Arroyo; the late Senator Barbers, Congressman Pichay; and 3
Filipino contractors led by Eduardo de Luna Construction and
4 Chinese contractors, all banned by the World Bank.
The Senate investigation has gone fever-pitch with the ebul-
lient investigator, Senator Miriam Santiago taking issue with
her fellow senators for trying to sideline her Committee on
Economic Affairs. Bursting with anger on the slow action of
the Ombudsman and Secretary of Finance in investigating the
alleged collusion reported by the World Bank report, she wanted
both to resign. Anger mellowed down to proper decorum when
the First Gentleman’s case was on line. She allowed his lawyer
Ruy Rondain to read his client’s “defense statements” upon
the advice of the First Gentleman’s physician that too much
stress during the investigation would be fatal to him due to his
heart condition.
Then the sudden change in the investigation pitch. The Sen-
ate turned the heat on the World Bank for not giving them the
detailed copy of the report on collusion, specifically the details
on the involvement of the First Gentleman, a senator and some

Diocese DADITAMA congressmen. Madame Santiago will now subpoena WB country

THE following is something sent to me by someone named Atty. Al
Aquino, former seminarian of St. Francis Xavier Seminary in Davao,
about the Diocese of Mati’s silver jubilee celebration. With his permis-
sion I share this with my readers:
Silver Jubilee of Mati: Remembering whom He sent and
thanking Him who sent them
“But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And
how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how
can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach
unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of
those who bring the good news!’ (Romans 10: 14-15).
I now realize the significance of this Pauline exhortation as the
Diocese of Mati celebrates its 25th year anniversary. It was canoni-
cally created in 1984 and Bishop Pat Alo was installed as its first
local ordinary on December 14 of that historical year. (Happily,
he will celebrate with us as our incumbent bishop).
How the Lord sent His workers to the vineyards of Davao Ori-
ental is not hidden from His believers. The Augustinian Recollects
who were sent and came to the Davao region in the 1840s, and
those who may have perhaps come casually prior thereto, must
have greatly sacrificed to preach the good news among the na-
tives. Fr. Pablo Pastells and the other Jesuits followed in the last
quarter of the century. He led the Caraga mission, and his order
continued the missionary works onto the 1900s.
The PME Fathers arrived in 1937 and replaced the Jesuits in
the Davao region. When it was created a Prelature (separated
from Zamboanga diocese) in 1949, with Bishop Clovis Thibault,
PME as its first prelate, the three parishes―Caraga (now on its
125th year), Baganga, and Cateel (all of the Diocese of Mati and
closely adjacent to each other in the Contra Costa area―were
among the four pioneer parishes of the new prelature. San Pedro
Parish (Davao City) was the other one and the largest. It seems
unbelievable, but the Lord has his ways. The PME Fathers then
established more parishes and sent more priests to cater to the
spiritual needs of the people.
The Maryknoll Fathers arrived in 1958 and evangelized in the
Davao del Norte and Oriental areas leading to the creation of the
Prelature of Tagum in 1962, with Bishop Joseph W. Regan, MM
as its first prelate. Aside from parish establishments, the PME
and Maryknoll Fathers took the cudgels of putting up Catholic
schools in the parishes. The HOLY CROSS schools in Davao City
and Davao del Sur (by the PME Fathers), the MARYKNOLL
schools in Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental (by the Maryknoll
Fathers), and the other Catholic schools run by other religious
Fr. Francis B. Ongkingco
who joined the missionaries in the region either earlier or later,
such as the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy of Mati (1947)
under the MIC Sisters, and Holy Family Academy (now St. Mary’s
Academy) of Caraga (1909) and Our Lady’s Academy (now St.
Mary’s College) of Baganga (1907), are undeniably the springs of
catholic education, producers of the local clergy, religious voca-
tions, and dedicated laymen.
The missionaries and the elders recounted untold stories of
uncooperative weather, dangerous trails, rivers, the sea, un-
friendly elements, sickness, isolation, deaths, calamities, war
(WW II), and many others. The story of the death of a Jesuit
priest in the 1880s during the construction of the Caraga church,
the presumed death of Fr. Henri Desjardins, PME, who failed
to arrive back at the Caraga convent on his return from a barrio
during the war in the early 1940s, the loss of a priest and the na-
tives when their boat capsized near the Pusan Point in Santiago,
Caraga, the untimely death of Fr. Dennis Lally, MM, in Caraga
in 1963, are among the favorite yet sad mission stories of our
elders. But the spirit, strength and enthusiasm of the mission-
aries in the construction of churches, convents, schools, plan-
ning or opening of new trails and linking of the communities,
functional literacy for the adult lumads and formal schooling for
the younger ones, catechisms, baptisms, matrimonies, and even
agriculture, overcame and outweighed these human and natural
threats. Our people, especially the lumads, have remembered
Fr. Rebull and the other Jesuits who facilitated the education
and vocation of Frs. Basoc and Constantinopla of Caraga. The
two were ordained few years after the war but served in Zam-
boanga diocese, erected in 1910 and to which we belonged until
1949 when Davao prelature was erected. (Fr. Manny Nabayra of
Tagum recalled that Archbishop Romulo Valles is the 7th priest
from the Davao region to go to and serve Zamboanga. We now
add to the list, Bishop Julius Tonel of Ipil. Familiar names still
ring in our ears, those of the PME like Frs. Houle Carbonneau,
Brunelle, Picard, Valee (now bishop), Thibault (first bishop of
Davao), those of the Maryknoll like Bishop Regan, Frs. Maxey,
McCahill, Galvin (who established Maryknoll of Cateel), Gerlock
(fondly called Edong), Walsh, Walter, Ferry, Nagle, Venne, and
numerous others. As we reaped the fruits of their persevering
mission, we envy their dedication and selflessness, and we
dearly remember them whom He sent and gratefully thank Him
Who sent them.
God bless these missionaries, their families, orders and societ-
ies. God bless the Diocese of Mati.
representative Bert Hofman to testify on the Bank’s report. All
this drama cannot dupe ordinary citizens like us. This is now
electioneering time—the use of media to be in the headlines
whether the facts are true or false are pogi points for the most
vociferous politician. The recall is almost 100% during voting
time.
For level-headed voters and for those who have time to
go through the facts, these details on the art of collusion and
bid-rigging of infrastructure projects must be understood. An
analysis of details for law-making will lend itself to reform and
a possible solution to this long-acting corruption, specifically in
the area of collusion and bid-rigging.
The Philippine Council for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)
presented detailed reports of 61 interviewees of the World
Bank. The modus operandi of the Cartel was designed in a
clever way to avoid the barriers to corruption, i.e., the control
procedures of two procurement laws of the Philippines, first
the R.A. 1594 operating before 2003 now replaced by R.A. 9814
effective October 2003.
In the old law, the approved budget for the contract (ABC)
is not published. The bidding process requires the bidders to
present their calculated bid prices and these are opened in their
presence. The bidder with the lowest bid, once proven to be
responsive to the law, is given the award.
In the new law the ABC is published. Any bidder who bids
higher than the ABC is immediately disqualified. The bidder
who offers the lowest bid, once ascertained to be meeting eli-
gibility requirements, is given the award.
Chairman Fernando blames the World Bank for following
the old law, that is, allowing bidders to offer more than the
calculated ABC. This is a practice in other parts of the world
presumably to allow the free flow of market forces. They un-
derestimate the genius of Filipinos in contriving money-making
schemes using collusion and bid-rigging.
The new procurement law, R.A. 9184 is so designed that Ob-
servers from NGO’s are allowed to sit in the Bids and Awards
Committee. The intention is to have a transparent bidding
process. The law however does not require the Observer to
sit in the deliberation of the approved budget for the contract
calculated by the Technical Working Group. So if corruption
starts with a doctored ABC, the rest of the bidding process
becomes a sham.
In spite of all these control system the Filipino Cartel, Mafia-
like, can rig any bidding process. The organization of the Cartel
includes the influential Politician, the DPWH decision makers,
the influential “winning contractor” with a lot of cash for oper-
ating the game initially, the Bids and Awards Committee, the
media and the participating NGO. The participating bidders

Unreality shows who make money without any great effort ride along with the

Whatever deceptive scheme.

AS the reality show Pinoy Big Brother
hits yet another season, we are witnessing
something that is more than a media flick
that manages to successfully distract Fili-
pinos from their country’s socio-economic
and political woes. It is more likely to be
an indicator of the low level of personal
esteem and integrity in the general audience
and consequently greater appreciation for
distasteful forms of behavior.
Avid followers of reality shows, as well
as hopeful candidates of these programs,
may disagree. They may claim, and they
are correct to some extent, that such shows
actually give people the opportunity to be
discovered and become successful. Granted
that this is true—at least for the lone win-
ner who takes home all the cash—we may
ask ourselves if success or fame is justified
when these are attained at the expense of
the person’s dignity?
The origins of the Big Brother reality show
dates back to 1999 when the Dutch media
had the idea of hosting a program to pay
tribute to George Orwell’s novel “1984”. The
T.V. program recreated Orwell’s concept of
the “Big Brother” where the participants’
every move are scrupulously watched and
controlled. Since then the concept of reality
shows was born and immediately copied by
other producers worldwide and fashioned
to the idiosyncrasies of their culture.
This was a most ideal show whose un-
limited variations assured that the viewing
public will never get bored. The setting,
the topics, and the people involved did not
really matter much as long as—aside from
making money roll—the public had their
fair share of entertainment. But what form
of entertainment?
The idea was to amuse the public by
broadcasting real life situations taken from
every possible setting such as houses,
buses, elevators and even hospitals.
But aside from these, reality shows also
projected real life situations revealing
the most intimate things about the par-
ticipants. These ranged from talent search
for budding artists, match-making situa-
tions, real-time coverage of heart attacks,
surgeries, interviews with people about
their most weird experiences from sex to
assassination attempts, etc. All these were
meant to give the audience a real dose of
life. But again, what kind of life?
A closer scrutiny, however, of reality
shows reveals otherwise. In the first place,
its producers are not only interested in
broadcasting just any particular life set-
ting or individual, but impose a series of
rigorous selection processes to come out
with the desired “reality”. And it has to
effectively catch the audience’s attention.
More often than not this key ingredient
is found in the revelation of what is most
intimate to the person.
Thus, aside from being disposed to do-
ing or saying anything, the candidates are
also chosen from backgrounds that would
make them stand out from the usual John
Doe or Juan de la Cruz. In other words,
if one has traits of deviancy in his or her
life, say coming from a dysfunctional
family, or being a single parent, a college
drop-out or a reformed drug addict, etc.
These crucial ingredients of almost every
reality show can innocently pass as an-
other unique way of entertainment. But
these shows are actually hiding from the
audience a bleaker and more disturbing
reality: man who is interiorly empty of
personal intimacy.
Now, among many of man’s unique
traits given by God is his capacity for in-
terior awareness. Only man has the ability
to look into himself, and become conscious
of a treasure called self-possession. This
gift allows him to possess, what we often
call an “idea of himself” from which arises
his personal identity and dignity. This
possession of self also becomes the core
of personal intimacy, to which only the
person has a right to.
The mass following for reality shows
reveals that man is hungry for intimacy,
but not what could be found within him-
self and develop his personal integrity.
Instead, he fills his inner void within with
the intimate but deviant behavior exposed
by some candidates of reality shows. In the
process, man becomes emptier than ever
because he does nothing more than absorb
the emptiness of other persons. Moreover,
it isn’t just other people’s shallow intimacy,
but a distorted intimacy that paves the
way for the deconstruction of individual
character and identity.
In no time a great multitude of young
people who are seeking a piece of some-
thing meaningful for their inner selves,
are only led to swallow the subtle but
deforming examples communicated
through reality shows. Thus, premarital
relations, indecent speech and behavior,
violent gestures and reactions, and the
“congratulation of first experiences” of
vices such as gambling, masturbation and
even drugs, etc. are held to be acceptable
forms of indulgence for the youth.
It’s about time for Pinoy Big Brother, as
well as any other reality show, to get real
by fostering the values and dignity of our
Filipino culture! Otherwise viewers are
immersed and drowned by the unrealistic
portrayal of man’s original dignity and
intimacy that God created him to enjoy.
The National Road Improvement Program (NRIMP 1), the
subject of the World Bank’s Report which cost $1.4 million was
apportioned by the Cartel in the following manner:
The projects were first calculated as to its real cost by a group
of engineers in a report called the Bill of Quantities. This includes
all the raw materials to be used, the price per unit, the cost of
labor, rental of equipment, as well as miscellaneous items. A
20% mark-up is calculated for the share of the winning contrac-
tor; 12% VAT is added for the government. The grand total is
now the true ABC, the true cost of the completed project. All
this work is done in the Project Management Office (PMO) of
the Department of Public Works and Highways. Before this
is approved and signed for implementation, it goes to several
offices for review and for concurrence (by affixing signatures).
The Technical Working Group now presents this calculated
ABC to the Bids and Awards Committee of the National Office
of the Local Government Unit. Once approved, the project is
ready for bidding.
This is where the Cartel comes in. The DPWH regional office is
approached by a point man with high political connections and
identifies the “winning contractor”. The participating bidders
who obtained their pre-qualification requirement from the office
of the Bids and Awards Committee are approached one by one
by the point man and tells them that this is a project of the Boss
who already identified a favored contractor. The participating
bidders are offered a share of 3% of the total project winning
bid price if they cooperate. All the work for the calculations
to be submitted by each bidder will be checked by the PMO
before submission. In short, they are just requested to attend
to the bidding process with a doctored bid offer. If they do not
cooperate, their lives will be in danger. The cooperation of the
DPWH, specially the PMO, the BAC, the NGO/COA and the
Media (for favorable news reporting) is an assurance that the
ABC now calculated to be upped by 25% over the true cost,
which is within the guidelines of the World Bank will now be
approved by the National Office or Local Government Unit as
the case may be.
If you were a church-worker like the CBCP LAIKO Observers,
what will you do now that there is an appropriation for P330 mil-
lion for infrastructure for the economic stimulus package of the
government? We can never stop doing our part for the common
good! Volunteers anyone? Contact 527-5388 or 527-3124.
 Local News
CBCP Monitor
A6 Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009

Prelate calls for transparency

in church
parishes and dioceses.

CBCP exec: Smith

“The basics of good
manners and right con-
duct are learned from

should treated ‘like

the family,” he said as he
underscored the need for
parents to know the im-
A PRELATE has called for trans- prelate said. portance of basic educa-

parency not only in the govern-
ment but also in the Catholic
Church.
San Fernando Pampanga
auxiliary bishop Roberto Mal-
lari said this over an interview
at Radio Veritas Friday.
“Magkakaroon ng higit na
tiwala ang mga tao sa Simbahan
at lalo pang magkaroon ng co-
an ordinary prisoner’
He underscored the need tion in the Filipino home.
for the Catholic Church to ac- He said it is in the home
count for the contributions and where children are first
donations so “we have to make taught of transparency
use of them for the good of our and the need for one to be
people.” transparent.
He added it is important for “The more transparent
the Church to gain the trust and we are, the more people
confidence of the faithful for will appreciate what we’re
them to appreciate the services doing and they would

operation sa mga tao,” (People
should have more confidence
in the church so they will co-
operate more) the 50-year old
being given them through their
contributions and donations.
He said there are a number
of concerns being addressed by
© CBCP Media
even volunteer their ser-
vices for the programs,”
Mallari concluded. (Melo
Bishop Roberto C. Mallari M. Acuna)

© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

Private schools urge ‘clear guidelines’
for conduct of drug testing ECPPC Executive Secretary Rodolfo Diamante
AN official of the Catholic Church’s prison ministry has wel-
comed the high court ruling ordering the transfer of the Ameri-
CATHOLIC schools are in favor of the gov- ment’s recent pronouncements to conduct consultation with school officials and be
can Marine convicted of raping Filipino woman from the US
ernment plan for random drug testing to be drug testing in schools, COCOPEA believes discussed with appropriate stakeholders,”
embassy to the custody of Philippine authorities.
conducted in both public and private schools that the proposal must not altogether be it added.
Rodolfo Diamante, Commission on Prison Pastoral Care
in the country. dismissed but rather actively be confronted And while the COCOPEA acknowledges
executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
But the Catholic Educators Association with specific conditions already in place the value of the random drug testing, they
Philippines, said Lance Corporal Daniel Smith should be treated
in the Philippines (CEAP) along with other in order to stamp out illegal drugs and said that the government’s campaign against
like an ordinary prisoner.
private schools wants the government to achieve a drug-free studentry,” the state- illegal drugs should “substantively focus on
He said that Smith should be detained in a Philippine-run
provide strict and clear guidelines in the ment read. the drug pushers and not the victims—such
facility, and not at the US embassy, while waiting for the result
conduct of drug testing in all high schools The group cited the Comprehensive Dan- as the students.”
of his appeal.
and tertiary levels. gerous Drugs Act of 2002 which provides “It is COCOPEA’s prayer that govern-
Diamante said that just like any other remand inmates, Smith
In a statement, the Coordinating Council that “students of secondary and tertiary ment be guided accordingly in undertak-
should not be given special treatment just because he hailed
of Private Educational Associations (CO- schools shall, pursuant to the related rules ing its campaign, and place in its highest
from a very powerful nation.
COPEA) said that while the drug testing is and regulations as contained in the school’s interest, the welfare of young Filipinos,” it
“It should be that way. Once more the SC is saying that jus-
worthy of support there are still facets that student handbook and with notice to the also said.
tice have to be served both to the rich and poor, powerless and
needs concern. parents, undergo random drug testing, The random drug testing kicked off in
powerful,” Diamante said.
The educators said authorities have to the expenses of which will be borne by the some schools within the National Capital
“If the law is equal it should be applied equally to all. The
assure the anxious public that it has set in government.” Region (NCR) last Feb. 4.
government should do that. It’s about time,” he said.
place safeguards to prevent negligence or “Hence, in the interest of safeguard- Education and Health officials arrived
Diamante is also pleased that the Supreme Court (SC) upheld
malicious aimed at incriminating students. ing the rights of its students from being in several high schools in Metro Manila for
the constitutionality of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA),
“While COCOPEA is concerned about violated in the process, clear implement- the first round of the random tests among
which governs the conducts of American forces in the Philip-
the political motivations behind the govern- ing guidelines should be created in the students. (Roy Lagarde)
pines.
The SC yesterday ordered Smith to be transferred from the
Women / A1
US embassy into Philippine custody while appealing his 40-
of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination evading compliance with this Act or preventing another person year jail term.
Against Women (CEDAW). from exercising her rights.” It also directed the Court of Appeals (CA) to resolve Smith’s
Officially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in They described the provision as an unnecessary and regrettable appeal the soonest. (CBCPNews)
1979, the CEDAW had 98 signatures and was ratified or acceded to assault on religious freedom, saying that “under this Senate pro-
by 184 countries as of August 2006. However, it has been regarded vision, religious belief and practice will now have to bend to the
as controversial for Christian countries, and pro-life groups criticized Magna Carta; the State will now decide what religious beliefs the Spin / A1
its vagueness. people can practice, which are not in conflict with this proposed
In particular, former US President George W. Bush questioned Act. This is unconstitutional and unnecessarily diminishes the Earlier the National Economic and Development Authority
CEDAW’s provision on the celebration of Mothers’ Day and le- merit of the bill.” (NEDA), through its chief, former Sen. Ralph Recto, said that the
galization of prostitution. According to his administration, these “Unless these provisions are removed, the bill cannot possibly Philippine government is releasing P330-billion, a la US’s economic
“controversial” interpretations of the CEDAW are “contrary to be enacted into a valid law that would be binding upon conscience. bailout, just to make the economy running and to save the millions
American law and sensibilities.” We are disturbed by reports that some members of the bicameral of Filipinos in the fangs of global economic crisis.
The bishops issued the statement as the bill is entered to its final conference committee are determined to delete any provisions that Part of it includes the P160-billion increase in the 2009 national
stage at the bicameral conference committee. Anytime this February, are constituent with Constitutional and moral laws,” they said. budget, the P100 billion off-budget infrastructure funds, the P40-
the committee is expected to craft the final version of the bill from The bishops were also referring to the Constitutional guarantee of billion corporate/individual taxes breaks, alternative livelihood
the two versions of the lower and upper houses of Congress. religious freedom, the primacy of the right to life as a human right, programs and some will be put in other economic development
The Church leaders assailed, among others, the last-minute the primary right and duty of parents to educate their children, and projects.
amendment to the Senate version of the bill that reads: “No one the right of educational institutions to maintain moral standards and “These ‘stimulus’ funds are already there even before the recent
shall invoke religious beliefs or customary norms as a means of discipline among students and faculty members. descent into crisis. So, we cannot say that the government is pouring
any substantially new efforts to deal with the economic downturn,”
Afterthoughts / A4 said Africa.
How do we make this happen? Where year and the frenzied efforts by self-interested of faith that is the necessary condition for Moreover, contrary to claims of the government, the P1.4-trillion
do we begin? politicians to make them utterly academic the correcting of that unacceptable culture: budget for 2009 is not a pump-priming budget, and actually is the
Last year, at the start of the Lenten season, by their determined attempts to change the That will to act for the common good negates smallest share of government spending to the GDP since 1986, the
our bishops suggested that we come together constitutional charter before then—and only from the very start what is wrong about the London School of Economics graduate said.
and form ourselves into discerning groups— in order for them to remain longer in power— primary principle of the corrupt, namely, “The tepidness of the supposed pump-priming is also apparent
“communities of discernment” they called are all that we hear about these days. Are we the putting of their private good before the if the effects of inflation are taken into consideration. In real terms,
them—to see what the besetting problems to let them have their way? For their way is common good of us all. total non-debt spending in 2009 is only an 8.6% increase from the
of the nation are, to ask what we could do a big part of the corruption that we say we What specific acts will be decided in our year before,” he explained.
together about those same problems. Their must do something about now. coming together to discern how to move effec- Furthermore, the tax relief, which refers to foregone revenues
suggestion did not, unfortunately, receive In our discerning, we will most certainly tively against corruption in its many forms? from reducing the corporate income tax to 30% from 35%, is actu-
the wide response it should have gotten, find there is no one answer to the many That will depend on the creative imagination ally already part of the RVAT law of 2005 and exemptions from
even though we already have, ready-made, evils our nation is suffering from. But in of the discerning groups we form. At this withholding tax for those earning P200,000 or less annually. The
thousands of such communities of discern- concentrating on the one sin of corruption, stage we can only suggest strongly that we P100-billion infrastructure stimulus package in turn has the GSIS,
ment in our BECs—these should by all we should be able to see that our simple do not forget the place of prayer in our com- DBP and Land Bank committing P50-billion with the private sector
means be mobilized for that purpose. coming together in genuine Christian citi- munal action against our great evil—prayer shouldering the other P50 billion. There will be sovereign guarantees
This year it has become even more urgent zenship and solidarity is already an act that for enlightenment and wisdom to do what for private sector participation in MTPDP projects such as the C-6
that we try again to do as they asked in view strikes at the roots of that destructive sin and is best by our people, prayer for strength, NLEX-SLEX linkage, NLEX East extension, MRT-LRT Loop and
of our worsening political—and economic— the evil culture it has given rise to. For it is for courage, for heaven’s help. Now more some water projects, the economic expert further explains.
situation. precisely the will to act together unselfishly than ever, we need the Spirit of Wisdom and “All these imply that the administration is not really taking ad-
General elections are scheduled for next for the common good from a strong sense Understanding to be with us. ditional measures in the face of the crisis, and leaves the majority
of poor Filipinos on their own,” said Africa.
Roadside / A4 “If it wants the public to believe that it is taking serious steps to
understandably challenge and even ruin some people’s grip on life. really nothing to gain. address the crisis, it should at the very least preserve current jobs in
“When money is everything,” our bishop, Bishop Bai Varquez, once But with him every crisis does not have to end in tragedy but in the public and private sectors (not through rationalization, retrench-
remarked, “the moment it is lost also means everything is lost.” But courage over fear, compassion over self-absorption. This is what I ment or wage/benefit cuts, etc.), restore real per capita social services
when faith is rightly placed in God, the economic and whatever see in people living in faith. And, since Job is a type of Jesus, we spending to at least 1997 levels, free public resources by stopping
crisis we go through just become a test and a means of purifying must find in Jesus the perfection of the right response to each and debt payments, remove the VAT on petroleum products, among
that faith. every crisis. In the way he eased the sufferings of others we must others,” ended Africa. (Noel Sales Barcelona)
The figure who, I believe, needs to be recognized on a global scale see our real program in the face of the crisis. Our program is not to
Corruption / A1
during this time of global crisis is Job. No, I don’t mean ‘work’, that simply meet our needs and remedy our sufferings but likewise those
scarce commodity of these times. I mean the biblical character who of others. In the way Jesus accepted his own sufferings and death to marred the World Bank-sponsored road projects.
lost not only all his material wealth and properties but also his family lead us to the victory of his resurrection, we must rediscover self- “I hope that she will really pursue the truth and hold those in-
to an unexpected tragedy. But there is no parallel to his indomitable sacrifice and selflessness as among the essential keys to personal, volved accountable,” he said.
faith as is obvious in his words: “Naked I came from my mother’s communal, national and global recovery. This crisis, after all, as US He also dared Arroyo to encourage all those implicated in the
womb; naked shall I return. The Lord gave; the Lord has taken away. President Barack Obama observed, “was prompted by the greed scandal to cooperate well in any investigation to show that there is
Blessed be his name” (Job 1:21). and irresponsibility of some.” It must be met by the generosity and transparency in her administration.
To that we can only say, “How true, how wise Job’s words are.” self-sacrifice of all. “She should give straight directive to all government agencies or
Our nakedness on the day we were born is a loud testimony not As St. Pio Pietrelcina puts it: “The most beautiful act of faith is one encouragement at least... she should say that ‘Even if it’s my relative,
only to our dependence on God’s love and generosity for every- made in darkness, in sacrifice, with extreme effort.” That must also let the axe fall and I will send even my own husband to jail if he is
thing we now have and are but also to real freedom. Yes, the free- mean the one that the few who are rich can do for the many who are guilty,’” Bacani said.
dom that comes from attachment to God first and foremost, and poor. That, further, must also mean the act of faith that does justice The bishop also criticized the ongoing Senate handling of the
detachment from his gifts, material things included. It is truly the and humble, loving service especially to those who suffer the most investigation on the supposed rigging of the WB-funded project
Lord, says the wisdom of faith, who gives and takes everything in this and in every human crisis. biddings involving top government officials.
away. Without him not only is everything already lost; there is Therein lies the way to peace (personal, national and global). The ongoing inquiry, he said, only made it appear that personali-
ties involved are “untouchables.”
Dispersal / A1 “Pagdating sa mga tao na konektado sa nakatataas, nakita natin na
“I strongly endorse the extension of CARP lence be done to them,” he said. protest actions and call on lawmakers to parang naka-velvet gloves pa ginagamit sa kanila samantalang yung maliliit
with reforms. Our farmers have been lobby- Baguio Bishop Carlito Cenzon, for his extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform na tao kung minsan ay summarily executed pa,” he said.
ing for this for many months now. We appeal part, encouraged the farmers not to lose Program (CARP). “Sa palagay ko mahihirapan talaga... kasi parang untouchable yung mga
to our legislators to make this as priority in hope and continue their fight for land in a Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo tao na binabanggit,” Bacani added.
their agenda,” he said. peaceful way. said the farmers have been waiting for so On its Feb. 12 hearing, the Senate investigation shifted from the
Villena said the violent dispersal of the “You have journeyed long and hard, and long for their demands for genuine agrarian issues of alleged collusion among bidders and the involvement of
farmers was unwarranted. He called on the given inspiration to others along the way. We reform to be implemented. Arroyo’s husband to the bashing of WB.
government not to hurt the sentiments of have prayed for your success. Keep your hopes He said that farmers from different parts Opposition Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the hearing seemed like an
the people. high and stay courageous,” Cenzon said. of the country are coming to Metro Manila “orchestrated” one since it focused more on the absence of Arroyo
“We ask that the farmers be given their Meanwhile, more farmers from the coun- to lobby for CARP extension with reforms. and questioning of the WB report instead of finding the truth behind
dignity and rights and that no harm or vio- tryside will troop to Metro Manila to join (CBCPNews) the alleged collusion. (CBCPNews)
 Diocesan News
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
A7

News Briefs Church bucks P2.1-B

bio-ethanol plant
Priest says solution to social evils start from within
DAVAO CITY—“Biking priest” Fr Amado Picardal said that
the solution to social evils start from within and that includes
reformation of the values and character of individuals. He said
that awareness of oneself is also a key to addressing the prob-
lems from within. (Mark S. Ventura)

Agrarian Reform Express starts
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Agrarian Reform Express
(AGREX) started here Feb.12 with a program at the Kiosko Ka-
gawasan complex attended by over 300 farmers from Bukidnon,
government workers and grassroot lawyers. The AGREX is a
nationwide campaign of various groups doing mobilization
from local communities going to Congress to call for CARP
extension. (Bong Fabe)
Prelate urges govt to go slow on DDR
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—Archbishop Antonio Ledesma
advised the government to go slow on “frontloading” the
concept of demilitarization, demobilization and reintegration
(DDR) in negotiating peace with the MILF. He said that instead
of negotiating peace “in the context of DDR”, the government
should include DDR in its agenda for negotiations with rebel
groups and not up front. (Bong Fabe)
Parish holds V-Day dinner
DAVAO CITY—The St. Francis Xavier Parish in Tibungco, this
city, hosted a valentine dinner for couples on Valentine’s Day “to
deepen their relationships.” The event was organized through
the parish’s ways and means committee at the Francisco Busta-
mante National High School Gym. (Mark S. Ventura)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Roman
Catholic Church here joined the opposition
to the transfer of a P2.1-billion bio-ethanol
plant to the city’s watershed area.
Cagayan de Oro Archdiocese social action
director Fr. Narciso Cabantan Jr. said the
project threatens to “destroy us all, not only
our environment.”
“Can we exchange two or three years of
employment of a few residents of Bayanga
and Mambuaya for the long-term destruc-
tion it will cause to us and our descendants?”
he asked.
The priest issued the statement after at-
tending a public hearing in Bayanga village
recently, representing Cagayan de Oro
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.
The proposed bio-ethanol plant, the first
in Northern Mindanao, is due to start com-
mercial operations early 2011, according to
Tomas Alcantara, chairman of the Alcantara
Group of Companies.
It has a targeted capacity of about 100,000
liters per day, and will fill an expected surge
in demand for alternative fuels.
The group said it hopes to capitalize on
the anticipated growth in demand for fuel
with the mandatory five percent blend of
bio-ethanol by May 2009.
But environmentalist groups here have
opposed the project, calling it a “good idea
in a wrong location.”
The bio-ethanol plant, as proposed, will
be built on a 16-hectare area in Bayanga and
Mambuaya, two hinterland villages that
have been identified as part of the Iponan
watershed.
This 16-hectare area is part of the 24 hect-
ares in Bayanga and Mambuaya that the City
Council had re-classified into agro-industrial
from agricultural through an ordinance
passed Jan. 7, 2008.
Bayanga and Mambuaya villages are in the
middle of one of the country’s few remaining
ecologically diverse environments.
“The processing plant will gravely com-
pete with sufficiency, and endanger the qual-
ity of the local water supply, and may result
to marginalization of their basic need,” said
the Kagay-an Watershed Alliance (Kawal), a
group composed of professionals, entrepre-
neurs and educators who live, own farms
or manage nature-oriented operations in
Bayanga, Mambuaya and environs.
And opening these two barangays to in-
dustrial corporations jeopardizes the health
of the Cagayan de Oro River. Barangay
Mambuaya hosts the city’s 12-kilometer
white water rafting course, now being hailed
as the Philippines’ and Asia’s whitewater
rafting capital.
Cabantan added the wastewater and other
effluents of the plant threaten to contami-
nate the Munigi River and eventually the
Cagayan de Oro River.
The Cagayan de Oro River is one of the
rivers draining the northern central part of
the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.
(Bong D. Fabe)

Priest urges people to follow Mary’s virtues

DAVAO CITY—Catholics are urged to follow after the example
of the Blessed Mother especially her virtues. Archdiocesan
Chancellor Msgr. Paul Cuison said like Mary, the faithful are
also called to imitate her virtues, simplicity and obedience
to God. He said that it is the purity of Mary’s heart and the
goodness within her that find favor before the eyes of God
especially when she was chosen to be the mother of Christ.
(Mark S. Ventura)

Parish highlights pro-life month through ad campaign

DAVAO CITY—Pro-life Month celebration in St. Mary of the
Perpetual Rosary parish in Buhangin this city is highlighted
through an advocacy campaign. Posters are displayed all over
the parish including in the various BECs calling for the preserva-
tion of the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception
to death. The advocacy also includes reminding the couples and
children on the importance of having unity and harmony in

© www.flickr.com/photos/anej
the family which is one of the truest marks of Christian family.
(Mark S. Ventura)

CFC-SFL to meet for 2nd singles’ congress

BAGUIO CITY—At least 600 local and international delegates of
the Couples for Christ – Singles for Family and Life (CFC-SFL)
will meet here for the World Singles Congress (WSC) ‘09 from
Feb. 28 to March 1. Themed “Trust in the Lord” from Isaiah
12:2, the three-day congress will gather SFL members, who are
unmarried young professionals aged 21-39, from all around the
archipelago and from as far as the United States, Ireland, Hong
Kong, and other Asian countries. (Roxy San Juan)
Cagayan de Oro convenes Bishops-Legislators Forum on
Environment Concerns
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—The Catholic Church here has orga-
nized on Feb. 12 the Bishops-Legislators Forum on Environment
Concerns to tackle issues affecting the environment. Archbishop
Antonio Ledesma, SJ said the archdiocese had thought of con-
vening such forum after the widespread floodings in Northern
Mindanao and Caraga regions that affected thousands and
destroyed millions-worth of properties. (Bong D. Fabe)
Coercive policies negate lay’s active role in BECs
DAVAO CITY—An expert in Basic Ecclesial Communities said
the coercive polices and sanctions that are being implemented by
some parishes will only negate the willingness of the lay faith-
ful to actively participate in the activities of the BEC. Fr Amado
Picardal said that is a wrong mentality that parish will rely on
coercive policies and sanctions to evoke the active participation
of the lay faithful in the BECs. “Instead of implementing harsh
sanctions the parish should work hard to develop a renewed
evangelization in order to have a revitalized BEC,” he said.
(Mark S. Ventura)
Prelate allows celebration of Latin Mass
OZAMIZ CITY—Ozamiz Archbishop Jesus Dosado, CM has al-
lowed the celebration of the Tridentine Mass in the archdiocese
as an extraordinary rite. “The significance of the move to rees-
tablish the old rite is in the Pope’s project to recover continuity
with our tradition in all areas and thus reinvigorate the Church
in an ever more secularized and relativistic world,” Dosado
said. (Wendell Talibong)
Mindanao Peace advocates slam inaccurate media
reports
Church and environmentalists resist the proposed transfer of bio-ethanol plant on a 16-has area located near the Iponan watershed in Misamis Oriental. Church officials
say the project will lead to a long-term destruction of the watershed area and the health of Cagayan de Oro River.
Bishop reminds TESDA turns over scholarship
faithful to take grants to Cebu archdiocese
saints as role models
LAOAG CITY—A Catholic prelate has reminded the
faithful of the laity’s important role to participate in the
life and mission of the Church through a life of holiness
as called for by Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution of
the Church.
In a homily during the celebration of the feast of St.
William, Laoag City’s patron saint on Feb. 10, Bishop
Sergio Utleg urged the faithful to look at the saints as
role models in a life of holiness.
“God gives us saints not only as intercessors but also
as models of holiness [just] as St. William showed a life
full of God’s love,” he said.
“Let us take then this inspiration of his life so that we
can ensure that our aims to empower the laity through
renewal of the PPC and FPC will be effective,” Utleg
added.
The prelate earlier signed a Pastoral Letter calling for
the reorganization and election of new set of officers of
Laoag’s various Parish Pastoral Councils (PPC) and Par-
ish Finance Councils (PFC) which was read to all parishes
last January 25, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.
The election period will end on Feb. 28.
He enjoined the newly-elected officers to “serve God
and His people as we imitate St. William and actively
participate in the life and mission of the Church.” (Mark
Vertido)
CEBU CITY—The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
(TESDA) has turned over to the Archdiocese of Cebu certificates of scholarship
grant amounting to P 1.8 million in a ceremony held February 5.
TESDA representative, Ted Gatchalian, handed over to Cebu Archbishop
Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, certificates allotted for 125 scholars the archdiocese
would choose as recipients from poor families.
Gatchalian said beneficiaries may choose from a wide array of vocational or
technical courses at any TESDA accredited institution or training center.
For his part, Vidal expressed his gratitude to TESDA and the national govern-
ment for the grant.
“In these difficult times, when people are losing their jobs, this scholarship
grant will go a long way for the poor but deserving recipients,” he said.
Vidal, who celebrated his 78th birthday last February 6, expressed in the past
days a growing concern over the rising number of laid-off workers in Cebu as
a result of the global economic crisis.
He hopes that the scholarship will help alleviate the burdens of the families
from whom the deserving students shall be chosen to avail of the grant.
The allocation of the grant to beneficiaries will be handled by the Archdiocese
of Cebu’s Commission on Service, the social action arm of the archdiocese which
was responsible for the recent tie-up.
The turn-over ceremony, held at Caritas building in Cebu City, was also at-
tended by CBCP President and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Dumaguete
Bishop John Du, and Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Emilio Bataclan.
It was preceded by the inauguration and blessing of Cebu Caritas Health Cen-
ter, which is run by volunteer doctors and other health workers, and a feeding
program for 500 indigents sponsored by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office (PCSO).
The events were held as part of the archdiocesan celebration of the 78th birth-
day of Cardinal Vidal. (Fr. Marnell Mejia)

CBCP Communications Development Foundation, Inc.

OZAMIZ CITY—Mindanao peace advocates denounced “the
unfair, bias and inaccurate” media reports of some local radio
stations here about the recent bombing of Transco tower claim-
ing the reports might destroy Christian-Muslim relations. Ma.
Benita Clamonte of the Justice and Peace and Integration of the
Columban Missionaries said Bishops Elenito Galido of Iligan
and Bishop Edwin de la Peña of Marawi and some Muslim
leaders too have expressed their anxieties and worries over the
possible effect of the report. (Wendell Talibong)
Bishop urges credibility among Catholic educators
LAOAG CITY—Presiding over the opening liturgy of CEAP
Superintendents Commission’s annual mid-year National As-
sembly on Feb. 3, Laoag Bishop Sergio Utleg urged participants
to focus in achieving credibility and authority to make an impact
in society. Reflecting on the Gospel, he reminded the assembly to
focus on how to achieve the authority that is likened to Christ’s
authority. “Catholic schools should attain credibility, just like
Jesus in His words, and should have a great impact on the people
and society,” he said. (Mark Vertido)
Church wounded but will continue to preach
DAVAO CITY—The attacks against Fr. Pedro Lamata by City
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is not only “personal” to the victim but
has “wounded” the entire local Church of Davao especially
among the clergy. Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla hum-
bly admitted that they are also wounded by the accusations
hurled against the one member of the clergy saying, “Nasaktan
din kami.’ But, even if they’re in pain and “personal attacks”
are inevitable, Capalla said that this will not stop them from
preaching in the pulpit since it is their pastoral duty as priests.
(Mark S. Ventura)
Offers the following training programs for 2009:
1. Systems Administration (SysAd) harnessing websites as a new avenue for catechesis and
• A highly technical training course for Systems and Net- evangelization.
work Administrators, this program is offered specially to those
administering local area networks of Catholic schools. The 5. News writing
training features bandwidth and server management on a • This seminar-workshop features writing news stories
Linux platform. from a distinctively catholic perspective which CBCPNews
calls “Catholic Journalism”. This is especially intended for
2. Educational Technology (EdTech) those involved in print media or those contemplating on
• This training module is intended for teachers of catholic putting up one.
schools. It teaches how to integrate computer/internet ap-
plications into the academic subject/curriculum. 6. Introduction to networking
• Intended for computer technicians, this training module
3. Information Technology Awareness Seminar teaches basic skills in network management which includes
• This seminar is an introduction to information technol- hardware configurations, IP addressing and network struc-
ogy. Participants are taught the basic knowledge and skills turing.
in computer, internet and multimedia. This is best for school
administrators, nuns, priests and bishops. 7. Multimedia for Catechists
• This training course is an introduction to the amazing
4. Web Design world of multimedia which includes videography, video
• This program is about learning how to conceptualize, editing and online sharing. This is best for catechists and
design, and maintain web sites. The module is tailored for pastoral workers.
catechists, pastoral workers and youth groups interested in
Most of these training programs are conducted for free, especially to institutions that are members of the CBCPWorld
Network. Trainings are held either at the CBCPWorld Training Center in Intramuros, Manila or at local dioceses. Interested
party may contact CBCP Media Office at tel/fax 5274139 / CBCPWorld at tels. 404-2182; 404-1612.
 CBCP Monitor
A8 People, Facts & Places Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009

Cebu to mark diamond

jubilee in April mentous event.
Last November a new pastoral thrust
was implemented by the archdiocese
with the theme “At 75 the Archdiocese
of Cebu: Growing Together in Grace as
the Body of Christ.”
The thrust focuses, among others, in
the renewal of the three-fold baptismal
functions of every Christian, namely
the prophetic, priestly and kingly func-
tions.
A team of speakers, composed of
priests and lay, has been around the dif-
ferent ecclesiastical districts of Cebu, as
well schools and religious institutions,
to give seminars on the thrust.
Supervised by the archdiocesan Pas-
issued by Pope Pius XI, with the late
Msgr. Gabriel M. Reyes as its first met-
ropolitan archbishop.
In 1950, after Msgr. Reyes was trans-
ferred to the Archdiocese of Manila to
later assume the archbishopric of the
capital city, then Tagbilaran bishop
Msgr. Julio Rosales, who was later made
a cardinal in 1969 by the late Paul VI,
took the episcopal seat of Cebu until his
retirement in 1982.
The present archbishop, Ricardo J.
Cardinal Vidal became the third arch-
bishop the same year his predecessor
retired.
Turned 78 last February 6, the cardi-
nal-archbishop was granted an exten-

Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral
THE Archdiocese of Cebu has begun its
preparation for the opening of its year-
long diamond jubilee celebration of the
establishment of Cebu as an archdiocese
on April 28, 2009.
Cebuanos has started on February 1
praying an oratio imperata for the suc-
cess of the 75th Anniversary.
The release of the latest mandated
prayer by the Archbishop of Cebu, His
Eminence Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, was
one of the many preparatory features
© www.flickr.com/photos/reydecastro
toral Planning Board (PPB), the semi-
nars comprise the formation component
of the preparation of the archdiocese.
Other activities are being lined-up for
the year-long like cultural presentations
and others.
The over-all preparation for the ju-
bilee celebrations is under the watch
of Cebu auxiliary bishop, Most Rev.
of the archdiocese for the upcoming Julito B. Cortes, who heads an ad-hoc
jubilee. committee including the Episcopal
The cardinal emphasized the Dia- Vicars, Commission Chairmen and lay
mond Jubilee celebration must be representatives of Cebu.
simple to go with the times, but must Cebu was elevated into an archdio-
be solemn as well befitting such a mo- cese on April 28, 1934 by a papal bull
sion of service by Pope Benedict XVI,
even though he is already past the age
of mandatory retirement at 75.
To commemorate this Diamond
Jubilee of the Archdiocese of Cebu,
he asked the Holy See to proclaim a
jubilee or holy year for the territory,
granting plenary indulgence to the
faithful who can fulfill certain spiri-
tual acts, from April 28, 2009 to April
28, 2010.
Such request was granted through a
rescript sent by the office of the Major
Penitentiary of the Holy See November
last year. (Fr. Marnell Mejia)

CFC, SFC members attend news writing seminar STAFF members of the Couples 6, was the first of a series of optimism that such seminar was
for Christ (CFC) and Singles for trainings for its other members held and conveyed their confi-
Christ (SFC) attended a two- nationwide. dence that the activity would
day journalism training and He hoped that with the series improve their social communica-
workshop at the CFC Center, of training included in their tions and media ministry.
Mandaluyong City. calendar, the journalistic com- The seminar was attended by
Titled “Catholic journalism,” petency of their in-house writers 30 CFC and SFC members from
the seminar was conducted in would be developed. different chapters nationwide.
two parts: lecture and workshop Participants expressed their (CBCPNews)
by Sr. Pinky Barrientos, FSP and

Markings
Roy Lagarde of the Media Office
© Roy Lagarde / CBCP Media

of the Catholic Bishops’ Confer-

ence of the Philippines.
Bro. Joe Tale, CFC executive
director, said the training sought
to enhance their writers’ skills in
writing news stories in a “Catho-
lic perspective.” ELECTED. Fr. Alfredo G. Africa, Jr. as
Staff members of Couples for Christ (CFC) and Singles for Christ (SFC) with Sr. Pinky Barrientos (middle) during the two-day Tale added that the activity the new Father Moderator of the Mission
seminar-workshop on Catholic Journalism held at the CFC Ugnayan Hall last Feb. 5-6. which was held from Feb. 5 to Society of the Philippines (MSP) during
the 7th MSP General Assembly held at

Mindanao clergy Missionary in RP named new

Betania Retreat House, Tagaytay City,
January 30, 2009. Elected with Africa
were members of the General Council: Fr

FABC Ecumenical secretary

Manuel Jadraque, Fr Patricio Casino, Fr

gathers for 36th

Eladio Oliver, and Fr Leonilo Pacuribot.
The 17-day assembly which convenes
every five years gathered 23 delegates
THE Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) has ap- representing the Philippines and eight

Diocesan Assembly
MORE than 200 diocesan clergy and 12 local ordinaries in Mind-
anao have gathered for their 36th Diocesan Clergy of Mindanao
assembly on February 9-11 at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.
Keynote speaker for the gathering was Fr. Domie Guzman,
SSP who discussed the theme “Integrity of Heart and Mind
according to Saint Paul.”
Ozamiz Clergy President Fr. Edgar S. Canama said the
Ozamiz clergy delegation was optimistic that the 36th assembly
addressed the issues and challenges to the Church and society
in Mindanao, and arrived at concrete recommendations and
action plans.
He also said the gathering was an opportunity for the Mind-
anao clergy to discern concerns, challenges and issues on how
to work together as a church to strengthen relations among the
tri-people in Mindanao and to arrive to a lasting peace in the
region. (Wendell Talibong)
pointed a missionary working in the Philippines to its agency dealing foreign missions. The general assembly
on ecumenical issues. is a time for the society to present reports
and discuss the realities of their apostolic
Maryknoll Father William LaRousse, an American, is now the ministries as well as formulate resolutions
new secretary of the FABC Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious to guide them in the next five years. During the assembly, outgoing Fa-
Affairs (OEIA) based in Hong Kong. ther Moderator Fr. Socrates Mesiona announced the approval of Vatican
decree establishing the MSP as a “Society of Apostolic Life for mission
The priest succeeds Jesuit Father Tom Michel in the ecumenical
ad gentes of Pontifical right”, thus placing the society directly under the
desk of the FABC-OEIA. supervision and authority of the Holy See through the Congregation for
LaRousse has a Doctorate in Missiology from the Gregorian Uni- the Evangelization of Peoples. At present, the MSP is composed of 72
versity in Rome, and has been working since 1977 in Davao City. Filipino priests, currently working in thirteen countries in five continents,
including Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, United States, Australia,
He is teaching beside others at St. Francis Xavier Regional Major
Holland and Great Britain.
Seminary of Mindanao, also in Davao City, for eight years.
The FABC is a voluntary association of bishops’ conferences in CELEBRATED. Sr. Mary Josephine Joy O. Cerio, perpetual profession
the region. Instituted in 1972 with the approval of the Holy See, it among the Pious Disciples of the Divine Master, February 18, 2009, at the
Divine Master Convent, Antipolo City. The solemn eucharistic celebration
aims to foster among its members solidarity for the welfare of the
was officiated by Fr. Celerino Reyes, SJ.
Church in Asia.
OEIA, one of its first offices, has been conducting a series of study ORDAINED. Fr Arvin
programs, the Bishops’ Institute for Interreligious Affairs (BIRA), Mosqueda, MSP of
Sevilla, Bohol; Fr Rob-
since 1979. In these programs, prelates reflect on Church documents
ert Saballo, MSP of
and theological issues, and increase their understanding of other
Lubang, Mindoro; and
religions. (CBCPNews) Fr Percy Singco, MSP
of Ginatilan, Cebu to the

Diocese’s IP ministry marks 25th anniversary

THE Diocese of Kidapawan will
launch a “case study on devel-
opment aggression projects in
IP communities on Feb. 24, in
line with the 25th anniversary
of the diocese’s Tribal Filipino
Program (TFP).
Kidapawan Bishop Romulo
dela Cruz said the research
project will also cover “success
sacred Order of Priest-
hood at the MSP Semi-
nary Chapel in Tagaytay
City, January 10, 2009.
stories of farmers in ancestral Indigenous Peoples (IP) for their The three MSPs were
domain development.” Right to Self Determination.” ordained by His Excel-
The theme for the celebration is Attending the event are Laoag lency, Most Rev. Crispin
Varquez, DD, bishop of
“TFP Journeying and Renewing Bishop Sergio Utleg, chairman Borongan. The solemn ordination was concelebrated by 27 MSP priests,
Commitment as Partners with the of the CBCP Episcopal Com- two SVD priests, and two diocesan priests.
mission on Indigenous Peoples
(ECIP), Butuan Auxiliary Bishop DIED. Rev. Fr. Eleu-
terio E. Espinas, 85,
Zacarias Jimenez and Cotabato secretary of Archbishop
Archbishop Orlando Quevedo. Egidio Vagnozzi, first
Jimenez is the current Chair Apostolic Nuncio to the
of the Coordinating Team of the Philippines; passed
away at his residence in
Episcopal Commission on Indig- Polangui, Albay, January
enous Peoples-Mindanao. 31, 2009. Born on Feb
Quevedo was the prelate of Kida- 15, 1924 and ordained
pawan when the TFP was born. as priest on April 11,
1948, Fr. Espinas was
Dela Cruz said the event is “an first assigned formator
occasion to thank all who have at Our Lady of Peñafran-
contributed to this venture of cia Minor Seminary in
witnessing the Good News of Sorsogon. He was also
a formator and a professor of Theology and Church History at the Holy
Jesus among the most neglected Rosary Major Seminary in Naga City, a position he held until his retire-
communities in our Diocese. ment four years ago. Espinas also served as formator of St. Gregory the
It is also an occasion to reflect Great Seminary at the Cathedral Rectory in Albay District, after finishing
together and to ask the Spirit to his Licentiate in Canon Law at the Angelicum in Rome. He obtained the
Rescript of Laicization in gratiam from the Supreme Sacred Order of Holy
© Pinky Barrientos, FSP / CBCP Media

guide us in the steps ahead.” Office in 1959. He later applied and accepted to become career Foreign
Part of the celebration will be Service Officer for the Department of Foreign Affairs. His job took him to
“history through cultural presen- several countries as he eventually rose from the ranks to be assigned as
tation” by the “tri-people youth Ambassador to the Netherlands, and later as Consul General in Toronto,
and children from Columbio and Canada then to Chicago, Illinois, USA. The priest later retired from gov-
ernment service in February 1989. However, a month later his petition
Sitio Tungaw, Magpet.” for re-instatement was approved by the Holy Father, through Archbishop
The bishop also said IP lead- Bruno Torpigliani, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines. He was allowed to
ers and partners who have long exercise again his priestly ministry.
been serving the Lumad commu-
DIED. Sr. Cristina Gamez, FSP, January 24, 2009; Sr. Ma. Dominga S.
nities for at least 15 years will be Antonio, RVM, January 26, 2009; Sr. Paquita Lackar, FSP, February 8,
Executive secretaries of CBCP Episcopal Commissions with the facilitators and resource speakers of the seminar- given plaques of recognition and
workshop on the Spirituality of Stewardship last February 13 at the Our Lady of Reparatrix Center, Tagaytay City. 2009.
appreciation. (CBCPNews)
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
Pastoral Concerns
‘He fasted for forty days and
forty nights, and afterwards
he was hungry’ (Mt 4,1-2)
Message of His Holiness Benedict XVI for Lent 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
At the beginning of Lent, which
constitutes an itinerary of more
intense spiritual training, the Liturgy
sets before us again three penitential
practices that are very dear to the
biblical and Christian tradition—
prayer, almsgiving, fasting—to
prepare us to better celebrate Easter
and thus experience God’s power
that, as we shall hear in the Paschal
Vigil, “dispels all evil, washes guilt
away, restores lost innocence, brings
mourners joy, casts out hatred, brings
us peace and humbles earthly pride”
(Paschal Præconium). For this year’s
Lenten Message, I wish to focus my
reflections especially on the value
and meaning of fasting. Indeed,
Lent recalls the forty days of our
Lord’s fasting in the desert, which
He undertook before entering into
His public ministry. We read in the
Gospel: “Jesus was led up by the Spirit
into the wilderness to be tempted by
the devil. He fasted for forty days and
forty nights, and afterwards he was
hungry” (Mt 4,1-2). Like Moses, who
fasted before receiving the tablets of
the Law (cf. Ex 34,28) and Elijah’s fast
before meeting the Lord on Mount
Horeb (cf. 1 Kings 19,8), Jesus, too,
through prayer and fasting, prepared
Himself for the mission that lay before
Him, marked at the start by a serious
battle with the tempter.
We might wonder what value and
meaning there is for us Christians in
depriving ourselves of something
that in itself is good and useful for
our bodily sustenance. The Sacred
Scriptures and the entire Christian
tradition teach that fasting is a great
help to avoid sin and all that leads
to it. For this reason, the history of
salvation is replete with occasions that
invite fasting. In the very first pages of
Sacred Scripture, the Lord commands
man to abstain from partaking of the
prohibited fruit: “You may freely eat
of every tree of the garden; but of the
tree of the knowledge of good and
evil you shall not eat, for in the day
that you eat of it you shall die” (Gn
2, 16-17). Commenting on the divine
injunction, Saint Basil observes that
“fasting was ordained in Paradise,”
and “the first commandment in this
B1
sense was delivered to Adam.” He thus 13, 3; 14, 22; 27, 21; 2 Cor 6, 5). The Church intimacy with the Lord. Saint Augustine, rediscovered and encouraged again
concludes: “‘You shall not eat’ is a law Fathers, too, speak of the force of fasting who knew all too well his own negative in our day, especially during the
of fasting and abstinence” (cf. Sermo to bridle sin, especially the lusts of the impulses, defining them as “twisted and liturgical season of Lent.
de jejunio: PG 31, 163, 98). Since all of “old Adam,” and open in the heart of tangled knottiness” (Confessions, II, From what I have said thus far, it
us are weighed down by sin and its the believer a path to God. Moreover, 10.18), writes: “I will certainly impose seems abundantly clear that fasting
consequences, fasting is proposed to us fasting is a practice that is encountered privation, but it is so that he will forgive represents an important ascetical
as an instrument to restore friendship frequently and recommended by me, to be pleasing in his eyes, that I may practice, a spiritual arm to do battle
with God. Such was the case with Ezra, the saints of every age. Saint Peter enjoy his delightfulness” (Sermo 400, 3, against every possible disordered
who, in preparation for the journey from Chrysologus writes: “Fasting is the 3: PL 40, 708). attachment to ourselves. Freely
exile back to the Promised Land, calls soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of Denying material food, which chosen detachment from the pleasure
upon the assembled people to fast so that fasting. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, nourishes our body, nurtures an interior of food and other material goods
“we might humble ourselves before our show mercy; if you want your petition disposition to listen to Christ and be fed helps the disciple of Christ to control
God” (8,21). The Almighty heard their to be heard, hear the petition of others. by His saving word. Through fasting the appetites of nature, weakened by
prayer and assured them of His favor and If you do not close your ear to others, and praying, we allow Him to come original sin, whose negative effects
protection. In the same way, the people you open God’s ear to yourself” (Sermo and satisfy the deepest hunger that we impact the entire human person. Quite
of Nineveh, responding to Jonah’s call to 43: PL 52, 320. 322). experience in the depths of our being: opportunely, an ancient hymn of the
repentance, proclaimed a fast, as a sign In our own day, fasting seems to the hunger and thirst for God. Lenten liturgy exhorts: “Utamur ergo
of their sincerity, saying: “Who knows, have lost something of its spiritual At the same time, fasting is an aid to parcius, / verbis cibis et potibus, /
God may yet repent and turn from his meaning, and has taken on, in a culture open our eyes to the situation in which so somno, iocis et arctius / perstemus
fierce anger, so that we perish not?” (3, characterized by the search for material many of our brothers and sisters live. In in custodia – Let us use sparingly
9). In this instance, too, God saw their well-being, a therapeutic value for the his First Letter, Saint John admonishes: words, food and drink, sleep and
works and spared them. care of one’s body. Fasting certainly “If anyone has the world’s goods, and amusements. May we be more alert
in the custody of our senses.”
We might wonder what value and meaning there is for us Christians in Dear brothers and sisters, it is
good to see how the ultimate goal of
depriving ourselves of something that in itself is good and useful for fasting is to help each one of us, as
our bodily sustenance. The Sacred Scriptures and the entire Christian the Servant of God Pope John Paul
tradition teach that fasting is a great help to avoid sin and all that II wrote, to make the complete gift
of self to God (cf. Encyclical Veritatis
leads to it. For this reason, the history of salvation is replete with splendor, 21).
occasions that invite fasting. May every family and Christian
community use well this time of
In the New Testament, Jesus brings bring benefits to physical well-being, sees his brother in need, yet shuts up his Lent, therefore, in order to cast
to light the profound motive for but for believers, it is, in the first place, bowels of compassion from him – how aside all that distracts the spirit and
fasting, condemning the attitude of the a “therapy” to heal all that prevents does the love of God abide in him?” grow in whatever nourishes the
Pharisees, who scrupulously observed them from conformity to the will of (3,17). Voluntary fasting enables us to soul, moving it to love of God and
the prescriptions of the law, but whose God. In the Apostolic Constitution grow in the spirit of the Good Samaritan, neighbor. I am thinking especially of
hearts were far from God. True fasting, Pænitemini of 1966, the Servant of God who bends low and goes to the help of a greater commitment to prayer, lectio
as the divine Master repeats elsewhere, Paul VI saw the need to present fasting his suffering brother (cf. Encyclical Deus divina, recourse to the Sacrament of
is rather to do the will of the Heavenly within the call of every Christian to caritas est, 15). Reconciliation and active participation
Father, who “sees in secret, and will “no longer live for himself, but for By freely embracing an act of self- in the Eucharist, especially the Holy
reward you” (Mt 6, 18). He Himself sets Him who loves him and gave himself denial for the sake of another, we make Sunday Mass. With this interior
the example, answering Satan, at the end for him … he will also have to live for a statement that our brother or sister in disposition, let us enter the penitential
of the forty days spent in the desert that his brethren” (cf. Ch. I). Lent could need is not a stranger. It is precisely to spirit of Lent. May the Blessed
“man shall not live by bread alone, but be a propitious time to present again keep alive this welcoming and attentive Virgin Mary, Causa nostrae laetitiae,
by every word that proceeds from the the norms contained in the Apostolic attitude towards our brothers and sisters accompany and support us in the
mouth of God” (Mt 4, 4). The true fast is Constitution, so that the authentic and that I encourage the parishes and every effort to free our heart from slavery
thus directed to eating the “true food,” perennial significance of this long held other community to intensify in Lent the to sin, making it evermore a “living
which is to do the Father’s will (cf. Jn practice may be rediscovered, and thus custom of private and communal fasts, tabernacle of God.” With these wishes,
4, 34). If, therefore, Adam disobeyed assist us to mortify our egoism and open joined to the reading of the Word of while assuring every believer and
the Lord’s command “of the tree of the our heart to love of God and neighbor, God, prayer and almsgiving. From the ecclesial community of my prayer for
knowledge of good and evil you shall the first and greatest Commandment of beginning, this has been the hallmark a fruitful Lenten journey, I cordially
not eat,” the believer, through fasting, the new Law and compendium of the of the Christian community, in which impart to all of you my Apostolic
intends to submit himself humbly to entire Gospel (cf. Mt 22, 34-40). special collections were taken up (cf. 2 Blessing.
God, trusting in His goodness and The faithful practice of fasting Cor 8-9; Rm 15, 25-27), the faithful being
mercy. contributes, moreover, to conferring invited to give to the poor what had From the Vatican, 11 December
The practice of fasting is very present unity to the whole person, body and been set aside from their fast (Didascalia 2008.
in the first Christian community (cf. Acts soul, helping to avoid sin and grow in Ap., V, 20, 18). This practice needs to be BENEDICTUS PP. XVI
 Updates
CBCP Monitor
B2 Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009

The Juridic dimension of confirmation (Part 2)

By Fr. Jaime B. Achacoso,
J.C.D.
Thank you for the in-depth exposition on
the juridic dimension of Baptism. A related
topic, I think, is Confirmation. While I
was baptized quite early (at age five, if I
remember right), my own children were
baptized when they were about Grade V
and the same thing is now happening to my
grandchildren, all in Catholic schools. What
does Canon Law really say about this?
TO answer this question thoroughly, we
had started—in the past issue—with the
sacramental structure of Confirmation
and its immediate juridic effects.
In this issue, we shall complete the
exposition with the juridic aspects of the
administration of the sacrament.
The Minister of Confirmation
“In the first centuries Confirmation
generally comprised one single
celebration with Baptism, forming
with it a ‘double sacrament’, according
to the expression of St. Cyprian. Among
other reasons, the multiplication of
infant baptisms all through the year,
the increase of rural parishes and the
growth of dioceses often prevented
the bishop from being present at all
baptismal celebrations.
In the West the desire to reserve the
completion of Baptism to the bishop
caused the temporal separation of the
two sacraments. The East has kept
them united, so that the Confirmation
is conferred by the priest who baptizes.
But he can do so only with the myron
consecrated by a bishop” (CCC, n.1290).
From this, the canonical regulation of
the minister of Confirmation follows.
a. The Ordinary Minister is a Bishop
1) For validity, the ordinary minister
of confirmation is the Bishop…(c.882),
whether or not he is a diocesan Bishop,
whether or not the candidate is his
proper subject, in whatever place he
confers it.
2) For licitud, the Code qualifies
the competence of the Bishops in the
following terms:
a) In his own diocese, the Bishop
legitimately administers the sacrament
of Confirmation even to the faithful
who are not his subjects, unless there
is an express prohibition by their own
proper Ordinary (c.886, §1).
b. The Extraordinary Minister is
a Priest with Faculty ipso iure or
concessione
Can. 882 established that a priest who
has this faculty by virtue of either the
common law or a special concession
of competent authority also confers
this sacrament validly. The Code has
simplified the matter of granting the
faculty to administer Confirmation to
priests in the following terms:
1) Ipso iure. The following have the
faculty of administering Confirmation
by the law itself (c.883): of their own proper Ordinary; but
1º those who are equivalent in law to
the diocesan Bishop, within the limits
virtue of law or special concession of
competent authority may in individual
cases associate [other] priests with
[himself] so that they may administer
the sacrament (c.884, §2).
b) Specific passive subjects. A priest
who has this faculty must use it for
those in whose favor the faculty was
granted (c.885, §2).
c) Specific territory. A priest who has
the faculty to administer Confirmation
licitly confers this sacrament in the
territory designated for him, even on
externs unless there is a prohibition
such a priest may not validly confer
the sacrament on anyone in another
whether a subject had been baptized, i) Infants, despite not having sufficient
for which the Law has provided the use of reason (by definition) are not
possibility of baptizing sub conditione exempted from the requirements of
(cc.869, §1 & 845, §2). licitud, unless the other condition of
b) All the baptized. Baptism is a danger of death concurs. The contrary
sufficient requisite for validity, such would render the temporal separation
that no other condition—e.g., age, of Baptism and Confirmation moot.
full possession of mental faculties, ii) All others with insufficient use of
preparation—constitute a requirement reason are exempted from the requisites
for validity. for licitud, even outside the danger of
c) Not yet confirmed. The sacraments death, since they—through no fault of
of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy theirs—are incapable of meeting them,
Orders cannot be repeated since they and since Confirmation is a gift of the
imprint character (c.845, §1). Holy Spirit.
2) For licitud: Outside the danger b. Rights and Duties of the Faithful
of death, to be licitly confirmed it is as regards Confirmation
required, if the person has the use of 1) Duty to receive Confirmation.
The faithful are obliged to receive this
sacrament at the appropriate time
(c.890). The Code further specifies this
appropriate time as follows:
a) Generally, at about the age of
discretion, unless the conference
of bishops determines another age
(c.891).
b) Exceptions, when there is danger of
death or in the judgment of the minister
a grave cause urges otherwise (c.891).
2) Right to receive Confirmation.
This forms part of the fundamental
right of the faithful to the sacraments,
generically formalized in c.213 and
regulated in c.843. Correlative to this
right of the faithful is the duty of the
sacred ministers—primarily the bishop,
but also the other ministers of the
sacrament—to assure its administration
at the appropriate moment.
The Godparents for Confirmation
The presence of godparents in
Confirmation is an ancient custom, as
the old c.793 of the CIC 17 explicitly
acknowledged. The actual c.892 gives
juridic relevance to this custom: As far
as possible a godparent for the one to
be confirmed should be present. The
presence of the godparent, therefore,
is only highly advisable, but not
absolutely necessary.
a. Duties of Godparents
The function of the godparent can be
considered in two levels:
1) Purely liturgical plane. This refers
to his desired presence in the liturgical
celebration of Confirmation mentioned
in c.892.
2) Properly canonical plane: it
is for the godparent to see that the
confirmed person acts as a true
Illustration by Bladimer Usi

b) In another diocese, to administer witness to Christ and faithfully fulfills

Confirmation licitly, the Bishop needs
at least the reasonably presumed
permission of the diocesan Bishop,
unless it is a question of his own subjects
(c.886, §2).
c) In exempt places. The minister
may administer confirmation even
in exempt places within the territory
where they are able to confer the
sacrament (c.888).
3) Special Duty of the Bishop.
Precisely because the Bishops are the
original ministers of Confirmation, it is
incumbent upon them to make sure that
it is duly administered to the faithful.
The Code articulates this duty in the
following terms:
1º The diocesan Bishop is obliged to
see that the sacrament of Confirmation is
conferred on his subjects who properly
and reasonably request it (c.885, §1).
[He] is to administer Confirmation
personally, or see that it is administered
by another Bishop, but if necessity
requires he may give the faculty to
administer this sacrament to one or
more specified priests (c.884, §1).
2º Any Bishop, for a grave cause
… may in individual cases associate
priests with [himself] so that they may
administer the sacrament (c.884, §2). In
other words, any Bishop can delegate
the faculty to administer Confirmation
to any priest(s) in individual cases.
the obligations connected with this
sacrament (c.892).
b. Requirements for Godparents
The Code’s treatment of the
requirements for godparents in
Confirmation is another manifestation
of the canonical parallelism of this
While I was baptized quite early (at age five, if I remember right), sacrament with Baptism. In effect, the
my own children were baptized when they were about Grade V and Code regulates the matter in a summary
the same thing is now happening to my grandchildren, all in Catholic way as follows:
1) Same requirements as for baptismal
schools. What does Canon Law really say about this? godparent. To perform the role
of godparent [in Confirmation],
of their territory; territory (c.c.887), except for those in reason, that one be suitably instructed, it is necessary that a person fulfill
2º the priest who by reason of office danger of death (c.883, 3º). properly disposed and able to renew the conditions mentioned in c.874
or mandate of the diocesan Bishop one’s baptismal promises (c.889, §2). [requirements for godparent in
baptizes one who is no longer an Those to be Confirmed The tenor of the canon establishes two Baptism].
infant or one already baptized whom a. Canonical requirements for the conditions, each of which exempts 2) Desirability of same godparent as
he admits into the full communion of reception of Confirmation from the requisites for licitud, thereby in Baptism. It is desirable that the one
the Catholic Church, with regard to the 1) For validity: All baptized persons reducing the requirements to that for who undertook the role of godparent
person in question; who have not been confirmed and simple validity—i.e., Baptism alone. at Baptism be sponsor for Confirmation
3º the parish priest or any priest, with only they are capable of receiving These are: (c.893, §2).
regard to those in danger of death. confirmation (c.889, §1). Thus, there a) Danger of death. In this case,
2) By special concession. If necessity are three criteria regarding who can the administration of Confirmation is Proof and Registry of Conferred
requires, [the diocesan Bishop] may validly receive Confirmation: especially entrusted to the parish priest Confirmation
give the faculty to administer this a) Only the baptized. Baptism is a (c.530, 2º), who has the faculty ipso iure To close this discussion, we
sacrament to one or more specified necessary requisite for validity, since to administer the sacrament in this case shall briefly consider the canonical
priests (c.884, §1). it is the door to the other sacraments (c.883, 3º). regulation of the record and proof of
3) Terms and Limits of the Faculty. (c.849), such that whoever has not b) Habitual lack of use of reason, the administration of Confirmation.
The Code articulates the terms and received it cannot be admitted to the which does present some complications The canons contained in the present
limits of this faculty as follows: other sacraments (c.842, §2). In practice, and casuistry. We can summarize the Code substantially contain the same
a) Possibility of delegation. A priest the only problem with this requirement canonical doctrine in the following norms as the corresponding canons of
who has the faculty to confirm by could stem from a persistent doubt terms: Confirmation / B7

Incensing the Congregation

(Father Edward McNamara, professor of
liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university,
answers the following query:)
Q: I know of a priest who has the altar
servers incense the congregation after he
has incensed the altar at the offertory. There
is one family who objects to this and states
that it should be a priest or deacon that
incenses the congregation. Can you provide
documentation on the correct procedure?—
B.L., Caney, Kansas
A: The relevant documents are found,
above all, in the General Instruction of the
Roman Missal (GIRM) and the Ceremonial
of Bishops.
GIRM Nos. 75 and 144 sum up most of
what needs to be said:
“75) The bread and wine are placed on
the altar by the priest to the accompaniment
of the prescribed formulas. The priest may
incense the gifts placed upon the altar and
then incense the cross and the altar itself, so
as to signify the Church’s offering and prayer
rising like incense in the sight of God. Next,
the priest, because of his sacred ministry,
and the people, by reason of their baptismal
dignity, may be incensed by the deacon or
another minister.
“144) If incense is used, the priest then puts
some in the thurible, blesses it without saying
anything, and incenses the offerings, the cross,
and the altar. A minister, while standing at the
side of the altar, incenses the priest and then
the people.”
From this it is clear that the incensing of the
priest and the people is a role of the deacon
if one is present. When there is no deacon,
this task may be undertaken by an instituted
acolyte or an altar server, but it would never
be the task of the priest, who at this time is
washing his hands and preparing to invite the
congregation to pray as soon as the incensing
of the people is concluded.
Unlike the Roman rite, some Eastern
Churches limit the use of the thurible to those
who have received at least the subdiaconate
or even diaconate, and in these rites it is
not possible for non-clerics to substitute
the ordained ministers in these functions
at Mass.
A point of debate is involved in the case
of concelebration, especially when a bishop
presides. The Ceremonial of Bishops, No. 149,
says that the deacon incenses the bishop, then
the concelebrants, then the people.
On the other hand, the more recent GIRM
No. 214, in referring to concelebrated
Masses, simply says that the preparation
of the gifts is to be carried out according to
Nos. 139-146 and there is no reference to a
separate incensing of the concelebrants.
Likewise, personal observation of some
celebrations in the Vatican in which there
was no separate incensing of concelebrants
would seem to indicate that the incensing
of the principal celebrant is considered as
representing all clergy present.
However, it might also be explained
by the fact that the concelebrants in the
basilica are generally not in a distinct
presbytery but are placed in front of the
assembly; this makes it impossible to
distinguish a separate incensing of clergy
and faithful.
Since both these documents remain in
force, I believe that both options are viable, at
least at an Episcopal concelebration. Pending
further official clarifications, either form
may be chosen according to the concrete
circumstances such as the number and
location of the concelebrants, the structure
of the presbytery, or the time required.
 Diocese
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
B3

Prelature of Isabela de Basilan

(Byline) which deal with the socio-economic and of 1972, all the other educational institutions
political-cultural dimensions of a person’s are still in operation.

Brief historical background

life. These are the prelature’s Social Action
Its beginnings and development Concerns: Through the Isabela Foundation, Bishop Romulo dela Cruz
It was on October 12, 1963 when the Inc. with the financial support of some On December 17, 1987 Bishop Romulo dela

of the Parishes
Prelature of Isabela de Basilan was erected foreign benefactors, the prelature developed Cruz, D.D. was appointed as Co-Adjutor of
with Bishop Jose Maria Querexeta, CMF as the following projects: ISAWAD—water the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan by Pope
the first bishop of the prelature. Three months source of Isabela City, health and housing John Paul II and became the second Bishop
later, Bishop Querexeta took the canonical projects to many parts of the island of by right of succession on January 28, 1989.
position on February 15, 1964. Basilan, livelihood programs and some BCC Bishop Dela Cruz carried out his plans of
A year earlier, in 1962, a fire gutted Sta. Isabel Cathedral Parish, Isabela City, Basilan
facilitated multipurpose cooperatives and an animating the community of faith towards
down the heart of Isabela and the church at Parish Priest: Bishop Martin S. Jumoad, DD
on-going efforts to participate in the peace Holiness as called for by the Vatican II and
Misericordia Street was razed to the ground. The Sta. Isabel Parish is the seat of the Prelature. Believed
and development initiatives with some civil continued to look for ways and means for
The event brought a significant development to have been established in the 1850’s with a certain Fr. Jose
society groups and inter-faith collaboration. development so that the Church will remain
in the prelature for there now stand the Riboste as parish priest, this parish encompassed the whole
The prelature is also part of the CBCP NASSA credible as an agent of God’s goodness to
present Sta. Isabel Cathedral, the pillar of Christian-populated areas of Basilan till 1880’s. Until the
Program of Evangelization which is the Alay His people.
the Isabeleños’ Christian faith. Claretians took over in 1951, the Jesuits took care of the parish
Kapwa Program. His work for peace, the fight for poverty
With Bishop Querexeta, CMF, at the helm except for some periods under the Augustinian Recollects
both for Christians and Muslims and the
of the prelature, the Sta. Isabel Cathedral was Education (late 1850’s to early 1860’s?). Diocesan priests, Fr. Vicente
on-going development of communities has
blest in 1970. Magto and Fr. Antero Constantinopla took over in the 1920’s
In the field of education, Fatima High been so fruitful. Although series of threats,
Thereafter, other parishes came forth with School in Isabela was established on June killings and kidnappings in the province of and 1930’s. There was no parish at all in Basilan in the first
the construction of the churches at Begang, 30, 1949. But when the Claretians took over Basilan escalated at this period, the efforts two decades of the1900’s.
Maluso, Tumahubong Among the first Claretians in the parish was Father Jose Ma.
to peace and dialogue
and Lamitan. All these Querexeta, then fresh from China. More or less 40 Claretians
did not end to the
were made possible Despite challenges and threats to life that the point that many lives
have been assigned to this parish, either as parish priests or
from donations as well prelature is confronted with, the prelature of the church workers
as assistants. In 1975, the diocesan clergy took over with Fr.
Rodolfo Zafra as parish priest.
as from foreign and continues to intensify the ministry of Catholic were at stake.
Solemnly consecrated on June 21, 1970, the cathedral is
local funds pouring During the time
in the prelature. presence in the island province of Basilan and of Bishop Romulo
an impressive landmark and bears t he artistic imprint of two
One structure work side by side with our Muslim brothers and de la Cruz, the
Claretians, Bro. Antonio Daufi, CMF and Fr. Maximino Cerezo,
CMF.
which embodies the sisters in the spirit of solidarity and dialogue. As pastoral conference
prelature physical
expansion and we nourish the faith of the Christian communities was changed into
Prelature of Isabela
St. Peter Parish, Lamitan
pastoral thrust is the through holistic programs, we also work hard Pastoral Assembly
Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Juan N. Quiño, Jr.
THE St. Peter’s Parish in Lamitan Municipality, is believed to
then Claret Formation in facilitating the development of the Muslim (PIPA). Consequently,
have been founded in 1886. Tradition has it that Datu Kalun
Center, built in 1981, the 1st PIPA was held
and now called the communities especially the children through in 1996 and followed
(Pedro Cuevas) was the one who brought the image of San
Querexeta Formation Isabela Foundation, Inc. up in 2001.
Pedro from Cavite.
Center in honor of the From the early 1930’s to 1951, St. Peter’s Parish was under
In 2001, Bishop De
first bishop. the supervision of the Jesuits, of whom Fr. Austin Dowd was
the administration in 1950 they changed it la Cruz was transferred to the Diocese of
The Querexeta Formation Center since then to Claret College of Isabela. Today, it is a San Jose de Antique after thirteen years of the last.
has become the venue of various seminars, complete educational institution. Likewise, missionary service and love to the people of In January 1951, the Claretian Missionary Fathers took
workshops, conferences for church groups the St. Peter High School in Lamitan was Basilan. The pastoral ministry of the prelature over, with Fr. Anthony Brisky as parish priest. Fr. Maximino
as well as non-government offices. Rodriguez, CMF, a “balikbayan” who has served Lamitan for
established in 1948 and was converted into the was entrusted to an administrator in the
two years from 1983-1984, took over as parish priest in May
Claret School of Lamitan in 1950. The era also person of Fr. Martin S. Jumoad.
Pastoral Conferences 1988 after Fr. Carmelo Astiz, CMF left. Presently, the St. Peter
marked the establishment and construction
As a community of Faith on its pilgrimage, of new schools such as the Claret School of Bishop Martin Jumoad Parish is under the Diocesan Clergy.
the Prelature has periodically come together Maluso, the Claret School of Campo Uno and St. Peter High School (now Claret School of Lamitan) and St.
On November 21, 2001 on the feast of the
in pastoral conferences which tried to identify the Claret School of Tumahubong. Peter’s Clinic are two institutions that have played major roles
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary at
its orientations and directions. The first in the development of the services of the Church in Lamitan
Except for the high school in Campo Uno, the Temple, Rev. Fr. Martin S. Jumoad was
conference was held on September 8, 9, and Lamitan, whose operation was terminated by appointed as 3rd Bishop of the Prelature Parish. The school, presently under the supervision of the
10, 1972. The first conference declared in its the social upheaval fomented by the Moro of Isabela with great challenges at hand. Dominican Sisters with Sr. Sulpicia Wate, OP as head, is the
resolutions the Prelature’s priority concern National Liberation Front (MNLF) at the close The Prelature’s priority concern was to first secondary educational institution in the area, and is alma
which is “For the youth and for the working mater to most Lamitan leaders.
continually build strong Basic Christian
masses and downtrodden in Basilan.” The The late Claretian Brother, Dr. Jose Maria Torres who founded
Communities at all levels and be ready to
second pastoral conference on February the clinic in 1951, was one of the most sought-after physicians
help our Muslim brothers and sisters; to live
11-12, 1978 made the decision: “To build up in the province and even across the channel. Dr. Torres was
in the spirit of reconciliation and love in order
strong Basic Christian Communities at all most loved by the poor both Christians and Muslims. The clinic
to realize the kingdom in the historical reality
levels, ready to help our Muslim brothers now bears his name and has been transformed into a hospital
of Basilan; to continually fight for the poor
and sisters, especially refugees, and to live run by businessmen of Lamitan.
against poverty; and for the justice, peace
with them in the spirit of reconciliation, and cause for the human rights.
brotherhood, sisterhood and love.” On January 10, 2002, Fr. Martin S. Jumoad
On May 23-26, 1984 the Third Diocesan St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Sta. Clara, Lamitan
was ordained as 3rd Bishop of the Prelature.
Pastoral Conference was held. It spelled Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Rodel C. Angeles
The year marked as the new beginning for the
out the Prelature’s vision, thus: “To build The beginnings of the Sta. Clara Parish can be traced back
prelature and a new life for Bishop Jumoad.
and sustain BCC, rooted in the Word of sometime in 1956. During that time, the Church was only a
The crisis, difficulties and trials that the
God, in an open dialogue of life and faith “kapilya” in the Sta. Clara Lumber Company compound and it
Prelature has experienced moved the new
with our Muslim brothers and sisters for the was under the St. Peter Parish of Lamitan.
bishop to choose as his Episcopal Motto: “Fides
realization of the kingdom in the historical In 1962, the humble “kapilya” was converted into a Parish. It
et Spes” meaning “Faith and Hope”.
reality of Basilan.” was also the year when the Sta. Clara Lumber Company ceased
These pastoral conferences have its operations and the area of Sta. Clara and its community was
Moving Forward
summarized and affirmed ongoing leased as a land grant to the University of the Philippines.
Today, despite challenges and threats to
undertakings in the Prelature as well as Since its creation up to the present, several priests have
life that the prelature is confronted with,
given impetus to new undertakings. been assigned as parish priest. All these parish priests have
we continue to intensify the ministry of
contributed much to the development of the parish.
catholic presence in the island province
Pastoral programs of Basilan and work side by side with our
To carry out the Church’s mission, the Muslim brothers and sisters in the spirit of
Prelature has instituted various programs Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Maluso, Basilan
solidarity and dialogue. As we nourish the
which are reflective of the insights of the Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Christopher Ligason, CMF
faith of the Christian communities through
pastoral conferences. The Basic Christian This Parish was founded on June 21, 1962. The Parish
holistic programs, we also work hard in
Community Program tries to actualize the was established to cater to the spiritual needs of the devout
facilitating the development of the Muslim
Church in its most grassroots’ level using the Catholics in one of the Muslim dominated areas of the Isabela
communities especially the children through
holistic approach to the worshipping, teaching Prelature.
Isabela Foundation, Inc. – CCF project
and serving dimensions of Church life in Since its foundation, it has been managed by the Claretian
affiliates through the following components:
every community. The Family Life Apostolate Fathers. Just like the other parishes, it also has its Parish
scholarship programs, health, housing, water
zeroes in on the “domestic” Church—the Council. One of the ways the parish gets in touch with the
and sustainable agriculture.
family—as its target beneficiaries. Specifically community is through its programs, which are headed by
We continue to journey in faith, hopeful
carrying out the Church ministry of the Word active coordinators.
that the threats to life, difficulties, fears and
is the Prelature’s Formation Programs with its Maluso Parish also has the Claret School of Maluso, whose
anxieties will vanish, and reconciliation,
three-pronged thrust targeting the children students are 70 to 80 percent Muslims. The school is run by
forgiveness, peace and love will reign in
(Children’s Catechetical Program), the youth the Daughters of Charity. Sister Josefa Ramos, DC is the
the island province of Basilan through the
(Diocesan Youth Formation Program), and present Directress.
intercession of Sta. Isabel de Portugal our
the Adults (Adult Catechesis Program). Patroness of Peace and Reconciliation, and
Emphasizing the service aspect of Church with the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Queen
mission and reaching out to our Muslim St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan
of Peace.
brothers and sisters are the programs Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Noel Daduya, CMF
The Parish in Tumahubong was founded in 1969 with an
American Claretian missionary as the Parish Priest. It had
grown out of the need of rubber plantation workers of the then
BF Goodrich Rubber Company
The Parish is working its way “to establish the conditions
required for a dialogue between Christians and Muslims where
people live in peace and harmony, in an atmosphere of justice
and charity, loving and respecting one another and moving
towards building God’s Kingdom.”
Because of the nature of the place and its people, most of the
Prelature programs can not be implemented in Tumahubong
so that it has to form or adopt different ways of meeting the
IMPORTANT FACTS needs of the parishioners.

Bishop …………………………………. 1
Priests:
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Begang, Isabela City, Basilan
Diocesan ………………..………….. 15 Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Noelito Q. Salandron
Religious ………………...………….. 5 Founded in 1984, its first parish priest was Fr. Nilo Laput
Seminarians: (1983-1986). The Parish is located about seven kilometers
Theology …………………..………. 3 from the Sta. Isabel Cathedral.
Philosophy ………..………………… 2 On February 10, 1985, the Church and convent were blessed.
On Regency ……….……………….. 2 The building of the convent was made possible through Bishop
Sisters: Jose Ma. Querexeta, and other citizens who contributed for
Active ……..………………………... 19 the construction.
Contemplative ……….…………….. 11
Diocesan Division:
Parishes …....……………………... 8
Quasi-Parish ….……………………. 1 St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Matarling, Lantawan, Basilan
Chapels ……….....………………… 122 Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Guillermo E. Rubillos, Jr.
Population ……………………. 390,000 The Parish was established on October 18, 1987. There are
Catholics .…………………… 105,300 more or less 3,000 Catholics living in Lantawan Municipality
Islam ……...……………….. 233,700 and in the barrios of Concepcion and Kumalarang, which are
Indigenous …..…………….. 12,000 part of the City of Isabela.
Others ………...…………… 39,000 Fr. Nilo Laput, again a pioneer priest as he was in Begang,
tries to usher the parishioners towards involvement in Church
activities and programs. Assisting him are the Sisters of the
ON BACKGROUND: Sta Isabel Cathedral, Basilan. LEFT: Most. Rev. Martin Jumoad, DD Queen of the Apostles (SRA)
Pagadian / B5
 Features
CBCP Monitor
B4 Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009

By Juliet Jimeno cooperation in Biblical apostolate and

formation. The parish has its own
May They Be One Bible Campaign,
THE National Bible Week participated by all parish organizations,
and their aim is to provide Bibles to
celebration last January 5,000 poor families in their parish in
was a good opportunity for five years.
Bible-believing Filipinos Their Parish Priest Fr. Apolinario
Matilos dreams that with May They
to come together and Be One, every family in his parish will
through various activities, have a Bible. As part of their Bible
declare the importance of Week celebration, the parish distributed
May They Be One Bibles to 500 poor
God’s Word—the Bible, in families. With their determination and
changing the lives of people cooperation, and a program complete
and the whole country. This with Bible formation, Bible distribution
and fundraising—and support of
year’s celebration with the their Bishop, they are most likely to
theme “May They Be One,” succeed.
supports the nationwide There is urgent need for Filipinos to
participate in May They Be One Bible
Bible Campaign of the Campaign. Bishop Bastes, Chairman of
Episcopal Commission on ECBA wrote in his National Bible Week
Biblical Apostolate (ECBA) of message, “…no need is more pressing
than for all Filipinos to be united under
Catholic Bishops Conference the banner of God’s Word…If our
of the Philippines (CBCP) country is saturated with the Word of
and the Philippine Bible Fr. Apolinario Matilos, parish priest of Immaculate Conception Parish in Karangalan Village, God, through an intensive distribution
Pasig City blesses the “May They Be One” bibles before distribution to parishioners. and promotion of the Holy Bible to all
Society (PBS).

Working together for God’s Word

The campaign is a response to the call
of Jesus Himself for us to be one and
united in making His Word available and
accessible to every Filipino. Partners in the
Biblical apostolate for over 30 years, ECBA
and PBS are profoundly encouraged by
the emphasis placed by Pope Benedict
XVI on the importance of the Bible and
for Catholics to develop greater love and
interaction with the Sacred Scriptures on
a regular basis. He is urging Catholics
throughout the world (and that includes
the Philippines), to really study the God’s
Word and live it!
The 12th Ordinary Assembly of the
Synod of Bishops in Rome in October
2008 with its theme, ‘The Word of God
in the Life and Mission of the Church,’
marked a significant moment in the life
of the Church and Catholic community
world-wide. God-willing this will
reverberate for decades to come. We
should seize this opportunity and let
the voice of Scripture be heard in every
home in the Philippines.
In this sense, May They Be One is
not just about Bible distribution, but
more importantly it involves Biblical
Pastoral formation. It is a response to
the Bishops’ Synod emphasis on Bible
formation among clergy and laity. The
end goal of May They Be One is not
just ecumenism or unity of Christians
but national transformation—to inform
people about the Lord Jesus and His
values in the Bible, to see a ‘Moral
Philippines,’ to have ‘Pagkakaisa para
sa Pagbabago.” Through May They Be plan: For every US$1 raised by ECBA Direct Mail to existing ECBA and PBS people, a beautiful renewal will take
One, we acknowledge that the Word of and PBS, the worldwide Bible Society supporters, and ‘Become a Friend of the place effecting unity, understanding
God is unparalleled as a set of principles Fellowship of UBS will contribute $US2. Bible Society’ appeal envelope, released and harmony at all levels: in the family,
to renew our country. This arrangement will facilitate the during Bible Week. The response has in our immediate community, in the
The Campaign aims to build on the availability of Bibles at P50/copy. Total been encouraging. Church and in civil society.”
Filipino value of ‘bayanihan.’ ECBA production cost is P150@ copy so subsidy Since the Campaign was launched Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, Auxiliary
and PBS plan to raise the resources of P100 per copy is needed—which on Sept. 30, 2008, there has been Bishop of Manila is the Chairperson
to subsidize the production and would come from various fundraising increasing numbers of parishes, parish of the May They Be One Advisory
distribution through the parishes and activities. organizations, and individuals that have Committee, which meets monthly to
BECs of 5 million copies of the May They The Bible Society of Slovenia, located participated in the Bible Campaign. Over provide direction and oversight to
Be One Bible to our poor kababayan in Europe (near Italy and Austria) is the 3,000 copies of the “May They Be One” ECBA and PBS. Other members include
throughout the Philippines within five first Bible Society that raised support for Bible in three languages—Cebuano, Ambassador Henrietta T. de Villa,
years (2009-2013). Dioceses, Parishes, the “May They Be One” Bible Campaign. Tagalog and English—were availed Consultor, Pontifical Council COR
UNUM, National Chairperson PPCRV/
NAMFREL; Dr. Philip C. Flores, head
The Bible Society of Slovenia, located in Europe (near Italy and of Trainers of Pastors International
Austria) is the first Bible Society that raised support for the “May Coalition (TOPIC-Philippines) and Mr.
They Be One” Bible Campaign. Filipino members of Couples for Christ Dante Lanorio, member of PBS Board
of Trustees.
in Slovenia helped with the fundraising of the Bible Society. Their For information on how to become
donation covered subsidy for 2,000 Bibles already distributed. part of the Campaign and fundraising
resource materials, you may get in touch
BECs and other parish organizations are Filipino members of Couples for Christ and distributed by various parishes and with the Directors of Regional Biblical
expected to work together in providing in Slovenia helped with the fundraising organizations in Metro Manila, NCR Centers in your Diocese or Campaign
Bible formation and training in order to of the Bible Society. Their donation and other cities and provinces, as part Coordinators: ECBA, Fr. Oscar A.
animate the families who will receive covered subsidy for 2,000 Bibles already of National Bible Week celebration. Alunday, SVD, 5279386, 5274157;
the Bibles towards a transformed and distributed. In many of these parishes, the Bible PBS, Ms. Juliet A. Jimeno/Mrs. Perry
transforming life-witness. Catholics from across the Philippines distribution activities were spearheaded Cartera, 524 6359 loc. 153-257, or visit
But ECBA and PBS do not have will be tapped and encouraged to get by the Biblical Apostolate, BECs and their websites: ECBA (http://ecba-cbcp.
sufficient resources to see through this involved with raising funds for the organizations like the Bibliarasal de webs.com), PBS (www.bible.org.ph).
big project without the help of others. project at the parish level, through Navotas (BINDS). BINDS organized The Campaign is based on the prayer
We shall seek the support of the whole donations during Bible Sundays, second a “Walk for a Bible” participated by of Jesus for his disciples and for those
Christian community in the Philippines, collection or through involvement in three parishes, and local government who will eventually put their trust in
as well as that of the global fellowship other fund-raising activities. ECBA and officials, and provided Bibles to 500 poor him. “Father! …may they be one…just
of the United Bible Societies (UBS). PBS have released various fundraising families. The Immaculate Conception as you and I are one.” (John 17:21-22)
May They Be One has its first print resources—2009 Catholic Daily Bible Parish in Karangalan Village, Pasig City May this be the solemn prayer of all
of Bibles. The UBS has agreed to this Reading Guide, May They Be One flyer, is also a good example of ‘bayanihan’ Filipino Christians.

Congressional watch on House Bill 5043

By Rosa Linda G. Valenzona considered the three hours were principals and their respective
dedicated to hearing the view of interests before they could begin
citizen’s groups comprehensive lobbying in Congress on any
IN spite of the nationwide rallies against it, the RH bill hearing. This failure to give measure.
proper hearing to the Family Reacting to Lagman’s proud
HB 5043 has followed its natural legislative course in Associations who wanted to claim that no fresh appropriations
Congress and entered into the period of deliberation register their objections to the had been budgeted for HB
in September 2008. I have been privileged to attend the HB 5043 cannot be justified by 5024 Del Mar pointed out that
debates on HB 5043 and have been longing to share Lagman’s claim that versions of this was achieved by dint of
the said bill had been filed in the appropriating amounts that had
it to the many who are awaiting the Congressional previous Congresses. been budgeted for DOH and
verdict on the RH bill. I finally got hold of a transcript Eventually Del Mar’s POPCOM together with 10% of
of the Congress sessions and decided to report on the procedural questions was the Gender and Development
interpellation of Congressman del Mar, the first of actually an opportunity to budgets of all Govt. agencies.
take Lagman to task over the This is actually in violation
23 Congressmen who have signed up to interpellate fact that HB 5043 which was of the Constitution (Article
Congressman Lagman. a substitute bill for 4 other VI, Section 29) where it is
versions, was in fact written mandated that money collected
Aside from Lagman seven because reproductive health (as by PLCPD! In the interest of on any tax levied for a special
other Congressmen spoke Lagman defines it), responsible informing the other members purpose should be treated as a
as Co-sponsors of the bill: parenthood, population of the House Del Mar’s clever special fund and paid out for
Arthur Pingoy, Reynaldo Uy, development are all very much interpellation brought to light such purpose only. Moreover
Janet Garin, Risa Hontiveros- in place in both public and the avowed mission of a foreign nowhere in RA 7192 (Women
Baraquel, Darlene Antonino- private sectors. As for the funded NGO such as PLCPD— in Development and Nation
Custodio, Nerissa Soon-Ruiz claim that the bill champions to formulate vital national Building Act) is there a mention
and Liza Masa. Their speeches informed choice Del Mar points policies on population. He also of Reproductive Health.
were all a reiteration of the out that access to contraceptives pointed out that David and The next item debated on
RH party line which by now is free and unrestricted in spite Lucile Packard Foundation, the was the issue of informed
is familiar to all. Nevertheless of WHO’s findings that oral leading promoter of population choice. Congressman Del Mar
there are some points which are contraceptives cause breast, liver, control in the Philippines, has questioned the classification
noteworthy. Lagman claims that and cervical cancers. They are strongly criticized the Philippine of contraceptives as essential
the bill does not seek to legalize not even required to be labeled government for allegedly drugs since it is not even a
abortifacients. For those of you as cancer-causing or hazardous stopping the procurement of medicine, as pregnancy is not
who would like to raise the to women’s health. No one is contraceptives. a disease. He suggested that
abortifacient effects of the pill barred from getting sterilized if In words of Congressman contraceptives should instead
and the IUD, of course they they want it. He emphasized that Del Mar: “What special be classified as dangerous
have redefined the moment of although the Church teaches right Mr. Speaker does this drugs and hazardous products
conception as implantation not that contraception is evil it foundation (referring to Packard because the public should be
fertilization. Although Lagman does not strong-arm anyone Foundation, funders of PLCPD) informed of the harmful effects of
claims that the bill does not have into following its teachings. have to criticize the internal contraceptives and sterilization
any demographic targets he He concludes that since the He warned Congress “not to squirmed out of Lagman an policies of the government, devices. He mentioned how
quotes the Medium Term Plan to proposed bill is clearly pushing underestimate the conviction, objection over its length. which are denied other foreign studies have confirmed the
reduce population growth rate an open door, it is deceptive the confidence and the courage Congressman Del Mar took entities? Does this not constitute link between contraceptive use
to 1.9% by 2010. The CIA Fact and for transparency it should of millions of Catholics to thwart Lagman to task for fast tracking meddling in the internal affairs and cancer (breast, cervical,
Book reports in the web that our have been entitled “An Act and resist in any manner and the law-making procedures and of the government?” He also liver) as well as hypertension,
population growth rate in 2008 is Providing a National Policy at all cost what appears to be a disenfranchising the Pro-life pointed out that PLCPD’s coronary artery diseases, etc.
already 1.991%. As we are way Promoting Contraceptives shameless policy of prevention Groups from voicing out their active role in legislation could He suggested that in fact these
ahead of target why spend P5 and Sterilization.” This last of pregnancy.” He then made a objections to the bill during be constituted as intervention contraceptives should go with a
Billion on population control! statement drew applause from quick listing of the numerous the Committee hearings. To in the sovereign business of warning similar to the warning
Huh! Don’t they say if it ain’t out the gallery. provisions of the Constitution Lagman’s claim that similar the Congress, foreign funded given to the public on the use of
of order, don’t fix it or perhaps After this opening salvo Del that are violated by the proposed versions of the bill had already as it is. He rounded off this cigarettes.
this is money on the ready to Mar points out the divisiveness bill. He ended the long list with reached plenary debate in the discussion by reminding the Congressman Lagman lightly
conveniently find its way into of the bill as it goes against the Article XVI, Section 9: The state past Del Mar rejoined that the body Batas Pambansa Bilang 39 dismissed these objections
some people’s pocket. fundamental Catholic doctrines, shall protect consumers from rules of Congress demands that which requires foreign funded as: “all these statements that
Preliminary to his the strong belief of majority trade malpractices and from the bill should start from scratch. domestic agents to register with contraceptives are dangerous
interpellation Del Mar points out of Filipinos born and raised substandard or hazardous Much later in the interpellation the Philippine government or hazardous to oneself are all
that this bill is so unnecessary in a Catholic environment. products. Del Mar’s preliminary he deplored the fact that Lagman and disclose their foreign Congressional / B7

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
The dignity of women is divinely ordained
Statement on the proposed Magna Carta of Women by the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life and the Office
on Women of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Issued on 25 January 2009
A Common Concern and Stand in
the Face of Kidnapping Incidents in
Zamboanga
ON the initiative of the Inter-
Faith Council of Leaders, we,
the undersigned Muslim and
Christian residents of Zamboanga
City, have agreed to express our
common concern about the present
kidnapping incidents in our city.
We are greatly saddened that the
kidnapping incidents do violence
to individuals and threaten that
most basic right, the right to life.
While we the undersigned profess
our different and respective faiths
we mutually agree that violence to
others is an offense to God and runs
counter to a basic teaching found in
our respective faiths… love of God
and love of neighbor. “A Common
Word”, a document prepared by 138
Muslim scholars and addressed to
the Pope and other Christian leaders,
reminds us of this basic teaching in
Message of Bishop Zacarias C. Jimenez
Chair, Coordinating Team
Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Mindanao, 4th February 2009
REA D I N G t h i s R e p o r t ,
“Philippines—Mining or Food?”
I deplore and lament with the
prophets of old what is happening
to our beloved land. Our own
experiences here in Mindanao
validate the report.
“Remember, O Lord, what has
come upon us; look, and behold our
reproach! Our inheritance has been
turned over to aliens, and our houses
to foreigners. We have become
orphans and waifs, our mothers are
like widows. We pay for the water
we drink, and our wood comes at a
price. They pursue at our heels; we
labour and have no rest. We have
given our hand to the Egyptians and
the Assyrians, to be satisfied with
bread. Our fathers sinned and are no
more, but we bear their iniquities.”
(Lamentations 5:1-5)
I chair the Episcopal Commission
on Indigenous People—Mindanao
and have been to many workshops
with our indigenous people’s
representatives all over Mindanao
in recent years. I heard their stories
of anguish, saw them cry as they
Statements
both Islam and Christianity.
We are also saddened by the
realization that these kidnappings
are driving a wedge that threatens to
create a split between our religious
communities living in peace in our
beloved Zamboanga. City.
The kidnappings are in themselves evil.
We will not contribute to the evil they
spawn by making conjectures about who are
responsible, what the motives are, nor cast
aspersion against one group or another.
We will do what we can to minimize
the evil by acting more responsibly
to insure our own safety and that of
family and household members; we
will cooperate with the legitimate
authorities in our respective barangays
and government unit. Needless to say,
our concern for safety extends beyond
the boundaries of our own homes to that
of the neighborhood as well.
narrate their deplorable state, and
I feel their anger against the game
that our power-hungry national and
local government officials are playing
with them in alliance with greedy
corporations. The situation is at its worst
at the present moment.
The very government that is supposed
to protect their rights is the very one
abusing them, manipulating them,
turning many of their leaders into “Tribal
Dealers”. The very people, save a few,
we elected to supposedly ensure their
basic need of food, shelter and clothing,
created laws that instead further the
interests of foreigners, investors, multi-
national corporations and have turned
these laws into a “machinery of death”
for our indigenous peoples and their
precious culture.
What is worst is their deception.
They are the modern Trojans bringing
gifts of empty promises of progress
and development. Timeo Danaos Dona
Ferentes! I fear the Greeks bringing gifts
to our people.
I also condemn all forms of harassment
by government agencies against the
people, foreigner and local, who are
We call upon the multi-sectoral
leaders of Zamboanga City to
continue to confer widely with their
sectoral members to elicit their ideas
and suggestions on how best to act
under the present situation. Having
done this, in coordination with our
city officials, they shall then come
together and draw an action plan
for implementation in all barangay
neighborhoods.
We will continue to invoke God’s
blessings upon all the residents
of our city, upon those who are
doing their best to protect us,
and especially upon whoever are
behind these incidents that they
may be enlightened about the evil
they do and change their ways
immediately.
Zamboanga City, January 27 2009
working in whatever way to help
the situation of our indigenous
peoples.
I would like to remind readers
about and strongly endorse the 2006
Statement on Mining Issues and
Concerns of our Catholic Bishops
Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
President:
To support, unify and strengthen
the struggle of the local Churches and
their constituency against all mining
projects, and raise the anti-mining
campaign at the national level;
To support the call of various
sectors, especially the Indigenous
Peoples, to stop the Priority Mining
Projects of the government, and
the closure of large-scale mining
projects.
To support the conduct of studies
on the evil effects of mining in
dioceses;
To support all economic activities
that are life-enhancing and poverty-
alleviating.
God help our indigenous brothers
and sisters …. Our precious land …
all of us!
MAN and woman share fullness of
equality in dignity and rights, which
should permeate all forms of human
activity in all aspects of social life. Both
are created in the likeness of God: “in the
image of God He created him; male and
female He created them” (Gen 1:27). That
one is male and the other female does not
put the one in conflict with the other; it
simply underscores their mutual need and
capacity to complement each other.
In the greatest divine enterprise after
the creation, however, God asked a
young woman rather than a man to
be His distinct collaborator. He asked
the young virgin Mary, of her own free
will, to become the Mother of His only
Women’s dignity and equality with men
cannot and must not be procured at the
expense of God, or anybody’s right and duty
to worship God. We therefore call on the
members of Congress to enact a law that
recognizes first and foremost the Divine
mystery as the first and ultimate source of
the true dignity of every man and woman.
begotten Son. It was upon the Virgin’s
Fiat that the Word became flesh, and
the Redemption of sinful man began.
There is no greater proof than this of
how high the woman stands in the eyes
of the Most High.
For this reason, we welcome the present
efforts of members of the two Houses
of Congress to enact An Act Providing
for a Magna Carta of Women. We pray
that they succeed in enacting a good law
that would not only eliminate all forms
of discrimination against women and
reaffirm their fundamental equality with
men but above all enhance their ability to
contribute to the highest common good,
according to the light of the Gospel.
However, certain ideas and
innovations in language threaten to
put the common good at risk, despite the
many unquestionably good things in the
present Bill. One such word is “gender”,
or “gender development.”
From the dawn of time, a person’s
sex has always been determined by
The law would be a sham if one of its
purposes is to discredit the work of women
in the home, as if the time spent in bringing
up children and attending to the family’s
basic human needs were time unjustly taken
away from the work women should be doing
in some office, some factories or elsewhere.
nature. And a person is either male or
female, according to that nature; nobody
is neuter. The new concept of gender,
however, argues that a person’s sexual
identity is not limited to male or female,
but may be expanded by personal choice
and social construction. Thus, one could
be either a male or a female heterosexual,
a homosexual, a lesbian, a bisexual, or a
transgendered individual, depending on
one’s sexual preference or orientation.
This is an avoidable disorder which
needlessly distorts a divinely instituted
truth about man. We need to pray and
work individually and together so that
everyone may realize their full potential
as men and women, regardless of any
psychological and other differences
which culture may induce or bring about.
But while Christian charity encourages us
to be understanding and compassionate
to those whose physiologico-social
qualities may not be the same as everyone
else’s, we have to take exception to a Bill
A Magna Carta of Women should, in
our view, recognize household work as
professional work and should encourage its
further professionalization, while promoting
various other professional skills for women.
which, despite its obvious merits, seeks
to replace a person’s divinely ordained
sexual identity with a self-constructed
gender arising from one’s sexual
preference or orientation.
We humbly propose that in opening
unlimited opportunities for the
development of a woman’s personality
and profession, a Magna Carta of Women,
to be worth its name, must first of all
protect and uphold her natural calling to
marriage, family life and motherhood.
The law would be a sham if one of
its purposes is to discredit the work of
women in the home, as if the time spent
in bringing up children and attending
to the family’s basic human needs were
time unjustly taken away from the work
women should be doing in some office,
some factories or elsewhere.
A Magna Carta of Women should, in
our view, recognize household work as
professional work and should encourage
its further professionalization, while
promoting various other professional
skills for women.
Our legislators seek to anchor their
proposed Magna Carta of Women on
the Convention on the Elimination of all
B5
Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW), adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1979. This,
we believe, must be approached with an
abundance of caution.
In principle, our government is
bound to implement all international
documents adopted by the UN, which
are not in conflict with our Constitution.
But not every provision of CEDAW is
in accord with our Constitution. The
Holy See itself has expressed certain
reservations about certain provisions
of CEDAW.
While our Constitution is unabashedly
pro-life and pro-family, CEDAW tends
towards the opposite direction. In fact,
the CEDAW Committee has tried to
pressure our government to modify
its laws on reproductive health. It
has—in many cases successfully—
pressured various other governments
to abolish “Mother Day” celebrations,
decriminalize prostitution, legalize
abortion where it remains illegal, and
improve access to abortion where it has
been legalized.
It would seem to us not right or prudent
to let in all of CEDAW’s initiatives
through the front door or even the back
door. The most prudent course for our
legislators, it seems to us, would be
to safely anchor their Magna Carta of
Women on the letter and spirit of our
Constitution, and refer to CEDAW only
when necessary, to the extent that it is in
full accord with the Constitution. This
would serve to assure our people that
our legislators are legislating for Filipinos
rather than for an external audience.
One last-minute amendment to the
Senate version of the bill reads: “No one
shall invoke religious beliefs or customary
norms as a means of evading compliance
with this Act or preventing another person
from exercising her rights.”
This is an unnecessary and regrettable
assault on religious freedom. Article III,
Section 5 of the Constitution provides:
“No law shall be made respecting an
establishment of religion, or prohibiting
the free exercise thereof. The free exercise
and enjoyment of religious profession
and worship, without discrimination or
preference, shall forever be allowed.”
The Universal Declaration of Human
Rights provides: “Everyone is entitled
to all the rights and freedoms set forth
in this Declaration, without distinction
of any kind, such as race, color, sex,
language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin,
property, birth or other status.”
Under that Senate provision, religious
belief and practice will now have to
bend to the Magna Carta; the State will
now decide what religious beliefs the
people can practice, which are not in
conflict with this proposed Act. This
is unconstitutional and unnecessarily
diminishes the merit of the Bill.
We humbly submit that women’s
dignity and equality with men cannot
and must not be procured at the expense
of God, or anybody’s right and duty to
worship God. We therefore call on the
members of Congress to enact a law
that recognizes first and foremost the
Divine mystery as the first and ultimate
source of the true dignity of every man
and woman.
May Holy Mary, our hope, seat of
wisdom, guide our legislators in their
deliberations.
+ Most Rev. Paciano B. Aniceto, D.D.
Archbishop of San Fernando,
Pampanga
Chairman, Episcopal Commission on
Family and Life
+ Most Rev. Emilio Z. Marquez, D.D.
Bishop of Lucena
Chairman, CBCP Office on Women
 Reflections
CBCP Monitor
B6 Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009

Freeing the prisoner of the paralyzing past

By Msgr. Lope C. Robredillo
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
WHEN a person is paralyzed, he is practically no longer the master of himself. Mark 2:1-12; February 22, 2009
Dependent on others, he is not in control of what he thinks should happen
to him. He is not free to chart his future. He can even be brought to places
where he would not dare to go. He looks at the world through the eyes of
others. At the same time, he no longer moves with the community.
In fact, he is often left behind. than a miracle worker. The truth had sin for its cause (cf Luke
The community to which he is, he comes from God. And to 13:1-5; John 9:2-3). But this is
actively belongs in the past crystallize this theme, he inserted not consistent with what appears
tends to alter its attitude. And no into the miracle story (vv 3-5,11- in other traditions where Jesus
matter how much he tries to think 12) the conflict dialogue (vv 6-10) never ascribed physical illness
that nothing has changed in him on the origin of the forgiveness to human sinfulness (John 9:3).
except his physical condition, of sins. On the basis of various The most that can be said is that
the members of the community scriptural texts (Ex 34:6-7; Is 43:25, in touching his condition, Jesus
will likely imprison him to his 44:2; Ps 103:3), the teachers of the saw that the man needed more
condition, sometimes to the effect Law argued that forgiveness is a than just physical healing. To
that they will tend to think there divine prerogative, which God be able to go back to a really
is almost nothing more to him will exercise in the life to come. normal life, he needed not just
than a paralyzed body. In having Jesus exercising this the restoration of his physical
At the heart of today’s Gospel divine prerogative, Mark wishes defect, but also his reconciliation
(Mark 2:1-12) is a miracle story: it to say that in Jesus God’s presence, and fellowship with God. But of
is a narrative about Jesus curing power and authority reside—a course, because the teachers of
a paralytic. This, of course, proclamation which he later the Law believed that the man
represents a continuation of the on puts on the lips of a Gentile could not be cured unless his
theme which Mark stressed at the soldier, who saw how Jesus died sins are forgiven, Jesus did cure Illustration by Bladimer Usi
beginning of his gospel: the power on the cross (Mark 15:39). him to illustrate that he had the
of Jesus’ words. Unlike those From this text alone, it is power over sin. Mark’s purpose
of the teachers of the Law, his difficult to infer the relationship would be polemical, then. But
words had authority and power between the two themes: the the point is simply this: so the and even our relationship with one can easily put under control. away, bringing up his pallet, he
over sickness and diseases, and healing of the paralytic and the man could be truly whole again, God. There are people who may By uttering his powerful word was a completely new person,
over the powers of evil. That the forgiveness of sins. Of course, we Jesus not only made him walk, be physically well, but because of forgiveness, Jesus offered and extremely happy at what had
man was paralyzed demonstrates are familiar with the findings of but also forgave his sins. of wrong human relationships, the paralytic a fresh start. His happened to him (cf Isa 43:18-19,
the extent to which Satan holds psychology which shows that our By exercising his power over they are often caught paralyzed. turbulent soul was healed, his 1st Reading). And, of course, this
sway, and Jesus came precisely guilt could sometimes paralyze sin, Jesus freed the man from the They are virtual prisoners of conscience unburdened. And shows that to lead a truly human
to free men from these powers. us, and one may be tempted to prison of his past. Sins against their own past. They are bitter having received forgiveness, he life, it is important not only that
But at the same time, the story conclude that if the paralytic God and neighbor—like greed, about themselves, and about acquired a new power which we are physically healthy, but
adds a new dimension to the was healed, it was because Jesus lust, and pride—affect our others, and suffer in isolation. freed him from the encumbrances also that we experience God’s
theme: Jesus had power over forgave his sins. After all, this whole person; they change the They cannot move forward, or of his life, and which made his forgiveness and fellowship with
sin. In bringing this out, Mark is was how Jesus’ contemporaries way we perceive ourselves, our cope up with situations which life whole again. One can be him. (http://www.msgrlopecr.
trying to stress that Jesus is more thought of physical illness: it outlook, our attitude to others, under normal circumstances sure that when the man walked blogspot.com)

Fr. Roy Cimagala

A gift of love:
Young pastor sets up Marital problems
foundation to support THOUGH I talk with a lot of
young people, mostly students,
priests to refer the persons to. I
can’t deny it’s part of the pastoral
things. With emotions revved
up to their limits, even defining
in realizing a true community
of life and love invalidates a

elderly priests I actually get to deal with older

folks most of the time. And I
must confess that one of the most
care I have to give to everyone
who comes.
And so, I just have to brace
the nature of marriage seems to
need a first-class miracle.
Sometimes I get the impression
marriage.’
“Thirdly, the distinction
between the canonistic dimension
difficult moments I have is when myself to take on that most it would be far easier to give a of normality, inspired by an
I have to grapple with painful delicate, agonizing and thankless lecture on marriage to bulls and integral vision of the human
By Fr. Mickey Cardenas cases of people with serious task, listening to the endless twists cows than to couples who are person that ‘also includes
marital problems. and turns that the parties tell me, bent to decouple. moderate forms of psychological
These are times when I pray stretching my patience for as long You can just imagine what is difficulty,’ and the clinical
MANY foundations are usually concerned with raising really hard, importuning our as needed, and sharpening my needed when you start making dimension that excludes every
funds or other resources to give dole outs to their intended Lord for more light and strength wits and discerning powers. finer distinctions! Let me quote limitation of maturity and ‘every
beneficiaries. But a foundation in the Apostolic Vicariate of to bring me to see things more form of psychic illness.’
“And lastly, the distinction
Puerto Princesa was formed to ensure that elderly priests, clearly and resolve them in the Sometimes, I think there must be between the ‘minimum capacity
upon retirement, will be assured of financial assistance that most prudent way.
can at least cover their basic needs to maintain a decent Sometimes, I think there must something really wrong in the air sufficient for valid consent’ and
standard of living. be something really wrong in these days, because my impression the idealized capacity ‘of full
maturity in relation to happy
As early as March 2006 Fr. Eugene Elivera, a young priest the air these days, because my is that now we have more couples married life.’”
of Puerto Princesa, got together a number of his friends and impression is that now we have
asked for help to raise funds for priests who retire or who more couples whose marriages whose marriages are in deep trouble. I must say that even though
suffer debilitating illnesses. The need to formally organize are in deep trouble. I’m no canon lawyer, I suspect
a group led to discussions of various forms of organizations There are times when I wish At the end of the day, I feel some recent words of Pope that many canon lawyers do
until it was finally decided that a foundation will be the best to run away from the cases, many times completely drained. Benedict to the Roman Rota not get these distinctions right.
option. A foundation was found to be the most suitable set even to go as far as to tell off the Aside from the monumental to give you an idea of some of And that’s not surprising, since
up for the equitable protection of the funds contributed by persons involved, especially if at effort it requires for study, these distinctions that need to these distinctions are really very
the member priests and other funds that the foundation first glance I can already detect consultations, etc., it also entails, be made: slippery to handle.
may raise. As a foundation it could also challenge the laity instances of stupidity committed at least for me, a tremendous “It is opportune,” he said, “to I feel that what’s needed is
to share their blessings with the priests who had offered by one or both of the parties. emotional stress. I can’t help but recall again some distinctions that a sustained effort to catechize
their lives for the care of their flock. Thus, the “PADI Y ANG I would rather wrestle, hands empathize with both parties, and draw the demarcation line above everyone about the nature
PALAWAN FOUNDATION, Inc.” was born. The Foundation down, with the current global thus I suffer with them. all between ‘psychic maturity and requirements of marriage,
received its Securities and Exchange Commission Certificate financial crisis than get mixed No matter how much I try to which is seen as the goal of human involving first of all our bishops
of Incorporation on January 2007 and the blessing of Bishop up in these complicated marital protect and defend myself by development’ and ‘canonical and clergy, and the experts.
Pedro Arigo of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa. cases. intellectualizing or objectivizing maturity which is the basic They should be generous and
Father Elivera had earlier put together contributions given But I know fully well that that things, the drama is usually so minimum required for establishing creative enough to make the finer
by several priests. It was then decided that the foundation would not be priestly on my part. intense that it manages to get the validity of marriage.’ points more understandable
shall adopt a scheme similar to the Social Security System I cannot avoid the reality that, like under my skin. “Secondly, the distinction to all, especially those who are
(SSS). The priests, as beneficiaries, will contribute to the it or not, I have to handle these And that’s not the most difficult between incapacity and difficulty married or about to get married.
Foundation fund. However, the Foundation will match it cases, especially if I wouldn’t part. The most trying part is when insofar as ‘only incapacity and not (http://www.fatherroy.blogspot.
with an equal amount. For every peso a priest will put in as have any other, more prudent you start to explain and clarify difficulty in giving consent and com)
his savings for his retirement, the foundation shall match it
equally with another peso instantly doubling his savings. Bo Sanchez
The interest earned for the total amount shall accrue to the
contributor member priest.
Membership of priests is strictly on a voluntary basis.
However, a minimum amount of 100 pesos a month and a
Failures are necessary to teach
leassons
maximum of 300 pesos a month was set, payable monthly or
quarterly, at the convenience of the priests. But the counterpart
fund from the foundation and interests shall be computed
on the dates the payments were made.
Then in the latter part of 2007 the Board of Trustees formally
approved the creation of Club 300 within the ambit of the SO many people tell me that I’ve area, dreaming of starting a idea didn’t even reach the oven. failed, and I’ve failed really bad.
foundation wherein 300 people will pledge to give 300 pesos succeeded so much in my life. community among the poor, I wanted to serve dishes like And at the time of the failure,
a month. As of October 2008 there are 48 committed members And everything I’ve set my mind plus a cooperative to assist in Martha’s full course meal and people didn’t mince words. I was
many of whom had made good their pledge by contributing on happens. They enumerate the their financial needs. Nothing Moses’ manna and Daniel’s criticized, ridiculed, lambasted,
already for a whole year, or 3,600 pesos. many dreams I’ve had which happened. Well, not exactly. veggie meal and Esau’s stew fried, roasted, grilled, baked,
In return, the priest beneficiaries will offer the Holy Mass has become reality: Kerygma. Through that experience, I and Jonah’s big fish and Tobit’s sautéed, stewed, and eaten alive.
for the intentions of the Club 300 members every first Friday Didache. Gabay. Companion. learned the art of sharing one liver and Jacob’s broken hip (See how my restaurant dream
of the month. Sabbath. Anawim. Light of still haunts me today?)
Membership to the foundation is voluntary to priests of Jesus Community. Light of Jesus We are all wounded. But wounds are But God knows how to use
the two Apostolic Vicariates in Palawan: Puerto Princesa Counseling Center. “Bo, they necessary for His healing light to failures.
were once mere thoughts in your He masters in the art of
and Taytay.
brain,” they’d compliment me, enter into our beings. Without wounds recycling flops like me.
Fr. Elivera, who is presently enrolled in the post graduate
program in Moral Theology of the University of Navarre, “and after awhile, we saw them and failures and frustrations and We are all wounded. But
Pamplona, Spain, continues to be the inspiration and guide in the concrete. For real.” defeats, there will be no opening for wounds are necessary for His
But you see, people only see healing light to enter into our
of “Padi y ang Palawan Foundation, Inc.”.
one chapter of the entire story. His brilliance to trickle in and invade beings. Without wounds and
The young priest will celebrate his 8th sacerdotal
anniversary on February 21, 2009. For the occasion, there will First of all, all of the things our lives. failures and frustrations and
be thanksgiving Masses to be celebrated in the Immaculate mentioned above were created defeats, there will be no opening
Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa, on February 21, with a bunch of selfless people filthy toilet with five families, two and… Heck, maybe I should for His brilliance to trickle in and
5:30 p.m; in Sta Monica Parish, Palawan, on February 22, who didn’t like their names in of which had eight children each. thank God this whole idea didn’t invade our lives.
8:30 a.m.; and, on the same day, at 5:30 p.m. in San Miguel the limelight. They let me have (I’m not exaggerating.) Needless materialize. Failures in life are courses with
Parish, Palawan. the glory so that my rewards to say, my mornings there were Should I go on? very high tuition fees. So I don’t
Instead of personal gifts, the priest requests that donations in Heaven will be miniscule very interesting! I can write a thirty-volume cut classes and miss my lessons:
be given to the “Padi y ang Palawan Foundation, Inc.”, compared to theirs. (Drats.) In 1985, I wanted to start a encyclopedia entitled, “THE About humility. About patience.
Banko de Oro account number 5040097043. He can be But here’s another thing people Christian restaurant—complete FAILURES OF BO SANCHEZ”. About hope. About asking others
reached at eugenetics7@yahoo.com and “Padi y ang Palawan don’t know: About my other with Christian music and food And that’ll just be the index! for help. About listening to God.
Foundation, Inc.” at telephone number (048) 433-2568. dreams that have nose-dived and with biblical names. I also If you want the blow-by-blow About trying again.
crashed to the bottom of the sea. wanted to provide jobs for our account of how I failed, you About trying again and again
In 1983, I lived in a depressed unemployed members. That need an entire hard drive! I’ve and again.

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
By Fr. Edwin Corros, CS
FOR so many years now, the Church
in the Philippines had expressed
her consistent disagreement with
the Philippine government policy of
exporting labor. As early as 1985, then
Episcopal Commission for Migrants
and Tourism (ECMT) now known
as the Episcopal Commission for the
Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant
People (ECMI) of the Catholic Bishops’
Conference of the Philippines had
already criticized the policy of the
Social Concerns
unexpected event. The NRCO program
in fact was challenged this early after an
unforeseen global economic meltdown
started in 2008. The NRCO has to address
the case of the many retrenched OFWs from
Taiwan who were repatriated last year.
The migrant workers and the global
economic recession
Migrant workers are the first to
be affected by the global economic
recession. Their case are not different
from those OFWs who had fled the war
that erupted between Kuwait and Iraq
in early nineties or similarly to those
had to face the troubles of being jobless
again. Meanwhile, the OFWs continue
to pay for the loans they had incurred
as placement fees to their agencies in
the Philippines.
Immediately upon arrival, OFWs
started to check what programs
government has for the migrant
returnees, especially for those who had
been displaced due to the effects of
global economic recession. The OFWs
were advised to visit the National
Reintegration Center Office (NRCO) in
Intramuros, Manila. Earlier, of course
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Checking the policy again
Is there however security in the labor
export policy of the government? Would
this still be a practical choice for the
government to implement particularly
amidst the global economic depression?
Recently, the President has issued
administrative orders 247 directing the
POEA “to execute a paradigm shift by
refocusing its functions from regulation
to full blast market development efforts,
the exploration of frontier, fertile
job markets for Filipino expatriate
workers.” How to achieve this directive,
the President further ordered her
B7
seem that the noble intention was all
there was to it because government is
NOT putting its money where its mouth
is, so to speak!” On the first component,
the PMRW questioned the government’s
sincerity in “reciprocating” to the OFWs
because the initial funds will come from
OWWA which is purely OFW money,
mostly illegally collected from the OFWs
themselves.
What is in store for Filipino workers?
Last 2007, an average of 3,000 Filipinos
has left the country to work and live
overseas. They remitted into the country

The OFWs and the global economic slump

Marcos administration of deploying
Filipino workers overseas, particularly
the highly skilled professionals, because
of ailing economy and political instability
at home. The Church was consistent in
disapproving such policy not only
because of the social costs migrants
have to pay, but on the government’s
dependency to the migrants’ remittances
in developing its economy.
The labor export systematically
started in the mid 70’s to address the
unemployment and underemployment
of the country. In one of the usual
meetings that ECMT had organized
concerning migration, it asked then
Labor secretary Nieves Confesor of
the government’s future plans in the
event that natural or man-made crisis
happened in countries where Filipino
workers are deployed.
During that meeting which I have
attended as a student interested in
migration, the invited speaker did not
deliver any practical answer. Today as
it was almost twenty five years ago, the
Philippine government has not come
up yet with concrete plans as to the
reintegration program that could help
migrant returnees except to assist them in
case they had been successful in bringing
home the bacon – that is, saving enough
money to open up a business.
A government’s attempt to address
the problem
The government would like perhaps to
address this problem, but maybe it has not
developed enough wisdom. Two years
ago, the National Reintegration Center
Office (NRCO) was established finally
during the reign of Labor Secretary Arturo
Brion to address in fact the insistent call of
the many migrant workers and NGOs to
come up with a tangible plan for overseas
Filipino workers (OFW) who have reached
retirement and are returning. It was opened
to showcase how much government has
been expressing concern to the needs of
the “modern heroes.”
The programs were not completely that
of NRCO. They are the programs developed
by other groups’ companies that are trying
to address the needs of the OFWs. The
center facilitates migrant workers to access
the programs of these groups, government
agencies and companies. Many of OFWs
unfortunately are not tailored to work as
businessmen and yet the chief orientation
of the NRCO is into entrepreneurship.
Most likely, the programs are indeed
designed for successful OFWs who now
want to join the business sector to prop
up further the country’s economy. The
program looks well for some, but not
appropriately addressing the needs of the
OFWs specifically when approached by
Filipina migrant workers caught in the
cross fire between Israel and Lebanon
in July 2006. Just like those affected by
natural calamities such as the earthquake
that hit Taiwan in 1997, migrant workers
are the first people to be repatriated,
because the host country has to look after
the needs of its citizens first more than
those of their guest workers. This is the
reason why the Church recognizes the
vulnerability of the migrant labor policy
of the government and consistently
proposes to improve the socio-political
environment of the country.
As early as August last year,
manufacturing companies in Taiwan,
one of the top five destination for
Filipinos had started retrenching
workers due to poor demand for
computers and similar products in the
US and Europe. Many Filipinos were
terminated and eventually repatriated,
although this may not be the way Taiwan
reported their cases.
Those ailing factories had to downsize
their operation and sometimes needed to
stop momentarily their business. Factory
owners allowed their Filipino workers
to look for jobs, but it was impossible
for them to find one as everyone
especially the locals wanted a job too. The
Taiwanese Labor Bureau allows foreign
workers to stay and look for another job
(job transfer) within two months before
they can be sent home. Most Filipinos
who were terminated decided to go
home rather than stay in Taiwan, afraid
that in two months they would have to
spend more money while waiting to
be transferred to another company. As
they were summarily repatriated, they
has announced the 250 million pesos
package assistance to the OFWs affected
by the global economic recession. With
such pronouncement from the highest
official of the land, the OFWs arriving
or visiting at the NRCO were coming
in hordes and are made to register
with their passport as evidence of their
unexpected repatriation. They were then
advised to take or attend skills training
courses that might fit into their needs.
This is one approach to check if a former
computer skilled worker may like to
embark into a course in food business
or acquire another skill that may bring
him or her to another job overseas or
locally. Unfortunately, most OFWs
are not inclined to go into becoming
new entrepreneurs or pursue a career
on hospitality or other services. They
feel that the programs prepared by the
government office are not addressing
sufficiently their real needs. They were
asking for financial help instead, because
many of them had worked in Taiwan
for shorter period but had paid for a
placement fee intended for them to work
for a two-year contract. Obviously, when
the worker has made a loan of 85,000
pesos to be used as placement fee in
Taiwan and worked only for three or five
months, such deployment to that country
made him poorer than ever. This is an
analysis why OFWs felt so cheated by the
nature of paying a huge placement fees
in exchange for a contract. The exorbitant
placement fees are illegal practice, but
this is a daily fare for Filipinos who could
not see hope to get a job in the country
that would feed, cloth, provide shelter
and secure their future.
Cabinet to “render full support to the
POEA so it can aggressively deploy
Filipino expatriates...with urgency and
unbothered by institutional hurdles.”
The AO targets to break through the
200-country barrier. Such instructions
coming from the President to POEA
were quite contrary to the intent and
spirit of RA9422 which strengthens the
regulatory functions of the POEA thereby
repealing Sections 29 and 30 of RA 8042
on deregulation. “The President was
with us in this campaign which took 11
years before RA9422 was finally enacted
in 2006. She certified this bill as urgent in
the 12th and 13th Congress but now, she
is setting it aside in favor of aggressive
marketing of our people overseas,” was
the reaction made by the Philippine
Migrants Right Watch (PMRW) in its
statement sent to the President last
January 20, 2009. PMRW eventually
commented on the president’s AO 248
directing DOLE and Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration (OWWA) on
the so-called “payback program” of
the government to the “heroic efforts
of the expatriate Filipino workers” to
create a Filipino Expatriate Livelihood
Support Fund with the initial funds
of P250M to come from OWWA. The
second component of the program is
government’s “full support in helping
returning expatriate Filipino workers to
find remunerative jobs.” This is exactly
that the NRCO was trying to implement
when the repatriated OFWs from Taiwan
swamped the center as soon as they
arrived in the country.
The PMRW said, “The intent of the AO
was commendable. But alas, it would
over 18 billion US dollars and are
consistently heralded by government
officials as the “modern-day heroes.”
They work in all levels of industries and
sectors. They are considered as premier
workers in their respective fields in
their host countries. Our government
capitalizes on that reading. Amidst
the global economic crisis, other labor
exporting countries such as Sri Lanka,
Vietnam, Bangladesh or Nepal are
equally looking at all countries where
they could send their own people for jobs.
All labor countries like the Philippines
would apply for the same jobs available
in the world that all other labor sending
countries would aspire to get them. What
is the chance of the Filipinos to get these
jobs remains to be seen in the future of the
volatile economic situation of the world.
Europeans would find jobs as well around
Europe now. Take the case of Iceland that
was first to declare bankruptcy last year.
Definitely, those affected by joblessness
would have to find a way to look for
solution and the policy of Europe for
the Europeans hints that there would be
a slim chance for Filipinos to get those
jobs in this region.
If ever they will get jobs, would the
same economic slump expose again
the affected OFWs to punishment of
joblessness and repatriation? Once
it happens, the volatility of migrant
workers’ situation is extended to their
families. We know that the main reason
why OFWs leave is because they aim
to secure the future of their families.
They continue to pay for the social costs
because there are not as much jobs in the
country that pay sufficiently to provide
food on the table, better education, and
secure their future. Interestingly, they
were the same reasons that drove the
original OFWs during the Martial Law
years to find jobs overseas.
1
“Modern heroes”, term coined by government
officials to recognize the contribution of OFWs
in priming the economy especially during the
Asian economic crisis in the late nineties through
remittances sent to families at home.
2
OFWs believed that deployment for job overseas
is not accessed until they pay their placement
fees. Most of them borrowed money from credit
and loan companies referred by their recruitment
agencies to pay their placement fees.
This is based on the interviews ECMI has con-
3
ducted among OFWs who have approached them
for para-legal assistance.
4
PMRW is an umbrella of NGO working for
migrants and their families to which ECMI is a
founding member.
5
OFWs are being charged US$25 by POEA for
every contract they sign before they are deployed
overseas. The Magna Carta for the OFWs – RA
8042 orders the employer to pay the 25 dollar
OWWA contribution, but in reality it is the OFW
who pays for it.

Confirmation / B2 Congressional / B4

the Code 17.
a. Juridic importance.
In a way parallel to Baptism,
the importance of the proof of
the reception of Confirmation
is based on the following:
1) It cannot be repeated, due
to the character it imprints
(c.845, §1).
2) Its reception is required
for the licit entry into certain
canonical conditions—e.g.,
admission to the novitiate (c.645,
§1), reception of Holy Orders
(c.1033), if possible before
Marriage (c.1065).
b. Testimonial proof of
Confirmation: Can.894 remits us
to c.876 regarding the possibility
of testimonial proof, if it is not
prejudicial to anyone, which
could take either of the following
forms:
1) The declaration of a single
witness who is above suspicion; or
2) The oath of the Confirmed
person himself, if such was
received at an adult age.
c. Documental Proof: Diocesan
or Parish Registry. The Code
e st a b l i sh es t h e f ol lowi n g
norms.
1) Registry to be kept: The
Code gives two possibilities
(c.895):
1º A confirmation register in
the diocesan curia;
2º A book kept in the parish
archive, where the conference of
Bishops or the diocesan Bishop
has prescribed it.
2) Obligation of registering
the Confirmation. The Code
clearly puts the duty on the
minister who administers the
sacrament:
1º The parish priest must
advise the parish priest of the
place of baptism about the
conferral of Confirmation so
that notation be made in the
Baptismal Register (cc.895 &
535, §2).
2º If the parish priest of the
place were not present, the
minister either personally or
through another is to inform
him of the confirmation as soon
as possible (c.896).
Finally, with all the above, the
importance of safeguarding the
order and security of the parish
archives and registries cannot be
over-emphasized.
myths and fallacies.” Reacting
to Lagman’s claim that the bill
promotes informed choice Del
Mar stated that this statement
does not reflect what would
be the reality on the ground by
predicting: “most of the funding
will go to the artificial methods.
Hardly anything will be spent
for the natural family planning
method, but all these funding
will go to the purchase of birth
control pills, will go to the
purchase of condoms, we will
have a world of condoms....”
and a propos to this, part of
this funding will come from
Catholic taxpayers in violation
of their beliefs.
Congressman Del Mar
continues with this line of
means that anyone can be sued
on this count on this basis. This
will leave everyone to “cower in
fear to see to it that they do not
commit any of these acts lest they
face prosecution.” Still on the
same line of questioning Del Mar
brought up the adverse effects on
family and parental relations by
the non-requirement of marital
consent for sterilization and
vasectomy on the marital bond;
the non-requirement of parental
consent for reproductive health
services to abused minors; the
penalties facing Catholic health
workers who are conscientious
objectors.
Congressman Del Mar offered
two amendments to end his
interpellation—deletion of the

CBCPMonitor Name _________________________________________________

(Family Name) (Given Name) (Middle Name)
questioning when he proceeds
to look at the acts prohibited by
HB 5024. He makes a point that if
prohibited acts and the penalty
provisions and the appropriation
provision. Lagman rejected
HB 5024 were already a law all his these as killer amendments as
SUBSCRIPTION RATES Mailing Address _______________________________________________ statements against the artificial they would virtually delete
methods and against the measure the basic provisions. The duel
_________________________________________________ in general would have landed does not end here since Del
Phone No.: ________ Fax No.: ________ E-mail: ___________ him in jail. Lagman claimed that Mar continues his interpellation
The CBCP Monitor is published fort- only malicious misinformation for 1-3 more days. During the
nightly by the CBCP Media Office, with Mode of Payment would be penalized but when debate Lagman appears testy
editorial and business offices at 470  Check/PMO enclosed  Cash Payment queried who would be the judge and impatient, so different from
Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila. PO of this his quick reply was the his cool and suave self, smoothly
(Payable to: CBCP Communications Development Foundation Inc.)
Box 3601, 1076 MCPO court! Congressman Del Mar then avoiding issues during TV
• Domestic pursued the matter further by debates. On the Congressional
1 Year Php 500.00 _____________________________ pointing out that the mandatory floor he has to face the questions
nature of the age-appropriate of his peers where the tables
2 Years Php 900.00 Signature reproductive health education are turned against him in
• Foreign: Asia could incarcerate parents who spite of the battery of PLCPD
1 Year US$ 55.00 resist having their children staff supporting him. The
• All Other US$ 80.00 attend these classes. He foresaw choice of fielding Del Mar, an
PLEASE SEND TO: a floodgate of prosecution esteemed Deputy Speaker, a
because the vagueness of the veteran legislator, for the first
CBCP Monitor, P.O. Box 3601, Manila, Philippines terms “knowingly withheld interpellation, is not a mere
470 Gen. Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, Philippines | Tel (632) 404-2182 • Telefax (632) 404-1612
Or e-mail this at cbcpmonitor@cbcpworld.com information” and “intentionally coincidence. We won the first
providing incorrect information” salvo.

B8
Title: Doubt
Running Time: 104min
Cast: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour
Hoffman, Amy Adams, Viola Davis
Director: John Patrick Shanley
Producers: Mark Roybal, Scott Rudin
Screenwriter: John Patrick Shanley
Music: Howard Shore
Editor: Dane Collier, Ricardo Gonzalez,
Dylan Tichenor
Genre: Drama
Cinematography: Roger Deakins, Matt
Turve
Distributor: Miramax Films
Location: USA
Technical Assessment: ½
Moral Assessment: 
CINEMA Rating: For viewers 14 & above
It is 1964 and the winds of political
change are blowing more strongly
over post-Kennedy assassination
communities in the U.S. St. Nicholas
School , a Catholic institution, has
opened its doors to desegregation
and has now accepted its first Afro-
American pupil. Soon, this precipitates
a confrontation between the principal
Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep) who runs
the school with stern discipline and fear
to safeguard its moral standards, and
a charismatic priest Fr. Flynn (Philip
Seymour Hoffman) who insists on the
spirit of Vatican II that the church have a
“more familiar face”. A neophyte, Sister
James (Amy Adams), notices that Fr.
Flynn has been taking undue interest
in the colored boy, and based on certain
circumstances, suspects him of having
molested the child. But Fr. Flynn with
his easy charm has ready explanations
and Sister James lets the matter rest.
But Sister Aloysius believes he is guilty
and pressures him to leave the school.
He does not admit his guilt but Sister
Aloysius unrelentingly pursues her
MAC en COLET
Buhay Parokya
Entertainment
campaign to have him removed, even
trying to convince the boy’s mother Mrs.
Miller (Viola Davis) to file a complaint
against the priest. Who will win this
battle of wills?
Doubt is Director John Patrick Shanley’s
film adaptation of his own Pulitzer Prize-
winning play of the same title. Simply but
effectively directed, the film boasts of the
excellent powerful performances of a high
caliber cast and their tight ensemble acting.
Meryl Streep outdoes herself here as she
again showcases not only her sensitivity
to the nature of her “character” but also
her versatility. From the devil in Prada’s
fashionable clothes to an optimistic
bohemian singing and dancing queen and
now as a stern uncompromising guardian
of morals. In this movie Doubt, Hoffman’s
Fr. Flynn with his pleasant disposition
and lighthearted cavalier view of sin is
her perfect foil. As Sister Aloysius says,
he is “invulnerable to deep regret.” For he
can sin again and again and think he can
continue to bask in God’s mercy and enjoy
some perks when a lost sheep is found.
These contrasting personalities highlight
the conflict between two opposite
positions taken by the protagonists. The
film tries to round out character delineation
through little details. The sharp edges of
Sister Aloysius’ character are softened, for
instance, by the kindness she shows an old,
almost embarrassed blind nun groping
for her cutlery by quietly shoving her a
fork. And then, though condescending
often, she shows a maternal concern to
the young inexperienced Sister James.
The film also sheds more light on Fr.
Flynn’s interests. He is shown heartily
enjoying a big bloody medium rare steak
and shows no inclination for any kind of
mortification (as when he asks for sugar
for his tea, a simple but unheard of luxury
in the convent of ascetic nuns who had
Look for the three missing items: Image of St. Luke,
image of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, Priest’s Chair (Illustration by
Bladimer Usi)
to search for it). The highlighting of Fr.
Flynn’s fondness for pressed flowers and
long and perfectly groomed nails may
give clues to his sexual orientation. In a
way, the film seems manipulated so that
the audience may sympathize with Fr.
Flynn and look at Sister Aloysius as some
kind of villain.
Doubt touches on an important subject
relevant to our time: child molestation.
Though this dramatic film treats the
subject seriously, it ends ambiguously
without any clear indication of what/
who is right or wrong. Doubt permeates
the film. It begins with Fr. Flynn’s
sermon on doubt and the whole film ends
in doubts. We ask questions like: Is Sister
Aloysius right or wrong in accusing Fr.
Flynn of wrongdoing, given only the
“circumstantial evidence” but without
certainty? Is she justified in pursuing the
priest’s ouster from the school under the
circumstances? Is Fr. Flynn innocent or
guilty? I s Sister Aloysius intolerant as
accused by Fr. Flynn? Is Fr. Flynn right
in saying that she is an obstruction “to
progressive education and a welcoming
church”? There is probably some grains
of truth to some of the accusations. In the
light of Vatican II, we can indeed be more
welcoming but without compromising
on important moral issues. Teachers
can be more warm and understanding
to students but still be firm and “strict”
without engendering fear. On the other
hand, in the face of the sex scandals
that rocked the U.S. Church in recent
times, probably priests strive to be
above suspicion. They can strictly draw
the line between being compassionate
(especially to the marginalized like
this film’s Negro boy) and showing
undue interest. Tense and gripping, this
engrossing film stimulates the mind and
engages the heart. It is worth seeing.
Ni Bladimer Usi
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
Title: Jay
Running Time: 110min
Cast: Baron Geisler,
Coco Martin
Director: Francis Pasion
Producer: Francis Pa-
sion
Screenwriter: Francis
Pasion
Music: Gian Gianan
Editor: Kats Seraon,
Chuck Gutierrez,
Francis Pasion
Genre: Drama
Cinematography: Carlo
Mendoza
Distributor: Cinemalaya
Location: Manila and
Pampanga
Technical Assessment:

Moral Assessment:

CINEMA Rating: For viewers 18 and above
Natagpuang patay sa kanyang apartment si Jay Mercado,
isang gurong may nakapagdududang sekswalidad. Mayroon
siyang walong saksak sa likod at pinaghihinalaang isang
masahistang lalaki ang pumatay sa kanya. Agad na kukunin
at sasawsaw ang Channel 8 sa balita kung kaya’t pupunta si
Jay Santiago (Baron Geisler) sa lugar na bayang tinubuan ng
pinatay na Jay upang gawing isang reality-drama ang buhay
at kamatayan nito. Agad namang makakakita ng oportunidad
para sa isang magandang kuwento si Jay. Ang pinatay na Jay
pala ang siyang tanging inaasahan ng pamilya na mag-aahon
sa kanila sa kahirapan. Biktima rin ang pamilya ng lahar kung
kaya’t nakalubog na ang kalahati ng kanilang bahay. May
iniwan pang makulay na kuwentong pag-ibig si Jay at ito ay
ang kanyang relasyon sa kapwa lalaking si Edward (Coco
Martin). Sa ngalan ng trabaho at ikagaganda ng programa,
gagamitin ni Jay ang lahat ng ito upang makabuo ng isang
kuwentong bebenta sa masa kapalit ang pangakong tulong
na bibigyan nila ng katarungan ang nangyari sa biktimang si
Jay. Hanggang saan kaya makararating ang panghihimasok ni
Jay sa buhay ng mag-anak ng namayapa upang makabuo ng
magandang kuwento?
Mahusay ang pagkakagawa ng Jay. Tinalakay nito ang
isang paksang bihirang talakayin sa pelikula. Hindi tulad
ng karaniwang kuwento, maraming elementong nakapaloob
sa kabuuan ng pelikula na nagbigay ng kulay pati na rin ng
sadyang kalituhan. Nagawa nitong pagtagni-tagniin ang bawat
elemento upang pag-isipin ang mga manonood ukol sa makitid
na agwat sa pagitan ng katotohanan at palabas lamang. Sa
bandang huli’y sadyang nailigaw at nailihis ng pelikula ang
atensiyon ng manonood mula sa melodrama at trahedyang
buhay ng isang bikitima tungo sa panibagong pambibiktima
ng mga mismong nagpapanggap na sila ay makakatulong sa
pagbawas ng pighatii at sa paghahatid ng katarungan. Mahusay
ang pagganap ng mga artista lalo na si Geisler na epektibo sa
kanyang panibagong papel bilang binabae. Tama ang timpla
ng mga eksena at sakto sa nais nitong iparating.
Isang komentaryo sa mass media ang pelikula. Sinasalamin
nito kung paanong pinagsasamantalahan ng kapitalistang
sistema maging ang hinagpis at pighati ng mga pawang
biktima ng sitwasyon. Dumating si Jay Santiago sa pamilya ng
biktimang si Jay Mercado sa pagpapanggap na mga kaibigan
na buong pusong tutulong ngunit naroon lamang sila upang
kumalap ng magandang kuwentong bebenta sa masa at
pangalawa na lamang ang pagutulong. Ngunit ipinakita rin
kung paanong katanggap-tanggap na sa pamilya ni Jay ang
pananamantalang gagawin at ginagawa sa kanila. Sila pa mismo
ang nagpapakitang handa silang magpagamit sa alang-alang sa
salapi at kasikataan. Sinubukang wasakin ng Jay ang anumang
ilusyon mayroon tayo ukol sa itinuturing nating kakampi ng
katotohanan: ang mass media. Ipinakikita ritong ang mass media
ay isang malaking negosyo na binubuhay ng bawat kaawa-
awang kuwento ng pighati. Isang mapanglinlang na sistema na
patuloy na namamayani saan man mayroong telebisyon, radyo,
dyaryo o pelikula. Sa bandang huli, sa sistemang ganito ay
ang manonood ang siyang tunay na biktima sapagkat siya ang
nalinlang, pinagdamutan ng katotohanan, binigyan ng maling
pag-asa, at ibinenta sa mga kumpanyang naga-aanunsiyo ng
mga produktong bibilhin niya. Hindi ito kinondena ng pelikula
at talaga namang ito’y hitik sa mapanuring mensahe na maaring
hindi pa angkop sa mga batang manonood. Dagdag pa rito
ang ilang maseselang eksenang tumatalakay sa sekswalidad
at kaunting paghuhubad na nasa konteksto naman at hindi
malaswa. Sa bandang huli, nagsusumigaw ang malinaw na
mensahe: hindi dapat paniwalaan ang lahat ng nakikita at
napapanood.
 CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13
12 No. 425
C1
C1
December16
February 8 - March
28, 2008
1, 2009

The Cross A Supplement Publication of KCFAPI

and the Order of the Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus District 3 held its 4th Central Luzon 4th Degree Convention in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija with the theme: A Second Look Towards a More Pro-Active Fourth Degree. The convention covered how the 4th Degree can be more relevant with the Order,
KCFAPI, the Community and the Church. In picture (L to R) SK Arsenio Isidro G. Yap (Luzon State Sec.), Rev. Fr. Cesar C. Vergara (Parish Priest, St. Joseph Parish), SK Antonio B. Borromeo (KCFAPI Pres.), Honorable SK Joseph Gilbert F. Violago (Congressman, 2nd
District of Nueva Ecija), Sis. Ma. Theresa G. Curia (EVP – KCFAPI) and SK Ruel D. Tecson (MFD, District 3).

Keys Realty & Dev’t Corp.

unveils new housing project
By Riz Nicolas
KEYS Realty and Development Cor-
poration has just unveiled its latest
housing project, the Cartagena Suites
Residential Condominium which is a
four-storey residential condominium
with commercial units at the ground
floor.
The project had a formal ground-
breaking last January 29, witnessed
by the President of Keys Realty, Mr.
Antonio B. Borromeo, Ms. Ma. Theresa
G. Curia—EVP of KC Fraternal, Ms.
Carmen C. Flores—EVP of Keys Realty,
Atty. Henry Reyes and Mr. Ismael De
Leon - Directors of Keys Realty.
Cartagena Suites is located at Bagong
Diwa St., Makati City. The site is more
or less 300 meters away from Makati
City Hall and 100 meters away from
J.P. Rizal. The proposed condominium
is accessible to the Makati Business
District Area either through Makati or
Kalayaan Avenues.
The project, once completed, will
have 56 units with average floor area
of eighteen sq. meters. It will have com-
mon lounge/dining and drying area at
the roof deck.
Cartagena Suites is another well de-
signed and affordable housing project
of Keys Realty and Development Corp.
The first project of the company was
Cartagena Grand Villas located at BF,
Las Piñas and followed by Cartagena II
Townhomes located along Naga Road,
Las Piñas City.
Keys Realty and Development Corp.
is 96% owned by the Knights of Co-
lumbus Fraternal Association of the
Philippines (KCFAPI).

The 2008 Annual

Family Service
Awardees
By Joseph P. Teodoro KRDC President Antonio B. Borromeo, (3rd from left) Atty. Henry Reyes and Ismael De Leon led the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Cartagena Suites Residential
Condominium at Bagong Diwa Street, Makati last January 29. Also in photo are Fr. Steve Villanueva and Bobby Roque of RITVIT Construction. Inset: A sketch of
the Cartagena Suites Residential Condominium.
AREA Manager Efren M. Casupanan and FC
Lauro L. Evangelista of Central Luzon Believ-
ers garnered top honors in the 2008 AM and Martinez, Reynaldo D. Valencia and
FC recognition awards to be held on March 6
to 8, 2009 in Cebu City.
Glicerio M. Tinawin (MMD); Pedro
T. Domingo, Mauricio P. Pangda, Ga-
C U (See You) in Cebu!
“2 ALL awardees, C U in Cbu on Mar 6 you can view a 360 perspective of the
Bro. Efren is an incumbent district deputy briel T. Chocyagan, Lerio Cagampang
to 8, ’09!” Is this text message familiar city from the mountain side up to the
and plays a very active role in the Round Table (NEL); Lorenzo D. Dufale, Sr., Gerardo to you? Then, you’re one of those who bay side. The following day will be a
of District Deputies in the Diocese of Malolos. D. Coloma, and Aquilino B. Cuaresma made it last year for being a Frater- fun-filled activity starting with an is-
His participation in the RTDD was one of the (NWL); nal Counselor awardee of KCFAPI’s land tour in Bohol for the tarsier close-
major factors for exceeding our expectations Lauro E. Villamayor, Teofilo A. Sam- Golden Jubilee. This year’s Fr. George encounter experience and a breath tak-
in 2008. son, Teodoro E. Rada, Angel C. Casid- J. Willmann SJ Annual Family Service ing scenery of the Chocolate Hills with
Bro. Lauro, a ing, Jr., Baltazar R. Ilagan, and Danilo Awards will be held at the historic and a mouth-watering buffet lunch while
mathematics teacher, thought he will not perform A. Preza (SL); Ronnie L. Ayon, Roberto romantic “Queen of the South”—Cebu cruising the Loboc River. The second
well as an FC. With utmost service in mind, he V. Magtoto, Armando C. Ravina, and City. option would be a
slowly gained the trust and confidence of his fel- Rodrigo B. Gorospe (SWL); Joel P. A total of 65 historical tour
low members which led him to the top. Tanaid (WVA); Ambrosio B. Belgica, FC awardees around Cebu.
In behalf of the Board of Trustees and the man- Jr. and Glyceria N. De Ramos (WVB); and 12 There will
agement of KCFAPI, we would like to express Wildy D. Devela (WVC); and Lorenzo A r e a be a
our congratulations to all our area managers and E. Almelia (CM); Rodelma M. Trinidad cos-
fraternal counselors who made it possible for us Wendell B. Udan (EM); Rolando A. Sta.
to attain the record breaking P100 Million First Teresa, Marteliano A. Alcontin, and
Year Contribution Income in a single year. Emma M. Saclote (NM), Chairman’s
Other awardees are the following: Conrado S. Dator, Jr. (SL), AM of the Year Circle.
Runner-Up; Reynaldo Segismundo
(NWL), Bonifacio M. Morales (CLB1),
Venancio F. Capiral (SL), and Danilo M.
Tullao (NEL), FC of the Year Runners-
Up.
Amando S. Miranda (CLD), Rosa D.
Hernandez (MMC), Maria Theresa G.
Dela Mota (WVB) and Juan G. Castillo
(MMD), Fr. Willmann Knights of the
Round Table;
Luis F. Ferrer, Ronando M. Rodri-
guez, Ariston V. Francisco, Veronica C.
Casupanan, Diego DJ. Marquez, Joselito Man- tume
T. Enriquez, Eduardo F. Fabregar and a g e r s p a r t y
Calixtrato A. Duero, Jr. (CLB1); Fran- made it called a
cisco C. Ballesteros, Nieva R. Santos, to the most theme night
prestigious and inspired by the
Maximo V. Castro, Sr., Purificacion S.
much-awaited incentive program for movie “Pirates of the Caribbean.” So
Naldoza, Jose R. De Leon, Jeffrey Rey
KCFAPI’s most valuable asset—the we’ll watch out from among the par-
S. Guillermo, Rex E. Blanco, Nazario A. salesforce. For the first time in KC- ticipants who will win this year’s “Best
Timbreza, Eleno R. Sta Ana, Francisco FAPI’s fifty-year history, the occasion in Group Presentation” and “Best in
L. Baluyot and Rene P. Cruz (CLC); will be in two different provinces. Dur- Costume.”
Armando E. Muyot, Antonio P. Gabi- ing the first day, the awardees will be Hmm . . . can you now smell the
nete and Lorenzo G. Maranan (MMA); staying in one of Cebu’s finest deluxe salty danggit and can’t wait to taste
Danilo T. Carungay (MME); Rodolfo hotel—the famous Marco Polo Cebu the dried mangoes? Then, Cu in Cebu!
C. Salcedo, Jaime P. Lazaro and Edu- (L-R) KCFAPI Executive Vice President Ma. Theresa G. Curia, AM of the Year Runner-up Conrado Dator, Jr.,
FC of the Year Lauro Evangelista, KCFAPI President Antonio B. Borromeo, AM of the Year Efren Casupanan located at the Nivel Hills, Apas where (Gari M. San Sebastian)
ardo T. Buenaflor (MMC); Bonifacio B. and Fraternal Benefits Group Vice President Joseph P. Teodoro
 The Cross
CBCP Monitor
C2 Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009

Chairman’s
Message
Patrocinio R. Bacay
ONCE again February is here amidst the feeling of insecurity among our own people and the rest of the
world. At no other time does Valentine’s “love is in the air” puts on more meaning, this love will be very
much better if found in our hearts. There is a lot that love can do at this very low point in many lives.
There is no need to look far. A brother knight beside you maybe in dire need of your assistance: maybe
financial, portions of your time, a show of concern or just helping him keep his dignity as a human being.
It is understood that tangible expressions of love assume utmost importance during this time of the year
or else! Real love though should prevail in each one of us through life. KCFAPI knows this very well.
We all know how love can work wonders. There is no better formula for a happy beautiful family,
likewise for a harmonious respectful co-existence with out outside world.
A happy love-filled month to all. Rest assured that we are financially capable of answering all our obligations at any point in time and
Wishing you what we are wishing for ourselves.
President’s
Message
Antonio B. Borromeo
IT is only the second month of the year and financial woes continue to hound the economy with the
latest crisis emanating from the pre-need sector. But while others are in rehabilitation or are candidates
for rehabilitation, KCFAPI stands resolutely firm and financially strong among the upheaval a lot of
companies are experiencing.
This is because our funds have always been prudently invested having in mind our obligation to our
Benefit Certificate Holders and their families. While some companies have taken the more risky invest-
ments to attain a higher return, we at KCFAPI conservatively choose and pick the types of investments
we need to earn a respectable return on our portfolio. This has proven to be the right strategy in an
industry where the long term gains outweigh the short term returns.
we will continue to do so with the help of our Almighty Father.

A parent’s fond Won’t you be my Valentine

memories of their first- forever and a day?
born child
By Alonso L. Tan, Luzon Deputy

“I never thought of a day that I don’t love you

By Antonio T. Yulo
THIS Valentine’s Day, I want to
share a love story different from
the usual romantic tales we hear
during this time of the year. It’s
about a boy and his love for his
country.
Almost 19 years ago, my wife
and I lost our first born child,
Second Lieutenant Huberto E.
Yulo. He died in line of duty in
an air crash in Cebu on October
4, 1990 at the age of 24. He was
a hero.
Hubert flew his T-28 from
Mactan Air Base in the morning
of October 4, 1990 on a recon-
naissance persuasion flight over
the rebel-held camp Boncasi in
Bicutan. A mini rebellion and
mutiny led by renegade Colo-
nel Alexander Noble had taken
place in Mindanao. Hubert was
returning to Mactan after a suc-
cessful raid when his aircraft was
hit by a rebel war ground fire. He
glided the aircraft towards the
shoreline in an effort to save the
vintage Tora-Tora power plane.
Engine failing and control out of
his hands, he fell into the ocean
and drowned.
Looking back, I remember his
classmates paying the highest
tribute to their fallen comrade.
Hubert, our son, met death
with honor, commitment and
freedom that sanctified love and
duty. He was a young hero who
gave the Filipino youth another
role model on the true meaning
of love of country and selfless
service to the people.
Whether you believe it or not, I love you more and more each day
I could never think of a day that I don’t love you
Everyday is just like the first time I saw you, so beautiful, so alluring
We will get older, wrinkled and forgetful
But my love for you would never wane
For as long as I can express myself, I will always say I love you
I love you with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my being
Won’t you be my Valentine forever and a day? Please?”
MY wife was in tears when I wrote this to her as she did not answer me. Instead, she pulled an old
an expression of my love. I could never forget that note from her jewelry box and asked me if it was
day. It was the first Valentine we celebrated after still true today? Without taking the note from her
we got married. From then on, she never doubted hand, I recited the message I wrote 30 years ago.
my love and sincerity. Tears trickled once again over her cheeks and gave
Sometime in April 2007 at Cagayan de Oro City, me a smile full of love, embraced me and told me,
I was informed by Mr. George Hanna and Mr. I do not only have her blessings but her love as
Stephen Feiler that the position of the next Luzon well. A few weeks later, I received an email from
Deputy is being offered to me by Supreme Knight Mr. Stephen Feiler about my appointment from
Carl A. Anderson. I didn’t know how to react and I
Supreme Knight and I humbly accepted the posi-
asked for some time to think it over and to consult tion to become the next Luzon Deputy.
with my family. They readily agreed and gave me Brother knights, does your wife have doubts in
a few days. you? Does she have a reason to? Do you feel that
I asked Thesse for her opinion on the matter but she doesn’t love you anymore? Maybe it’s time to
reassure her of your love for her.

Walk for Life

THE three Jurisdictions of the Knights of Colum-
bus in the Philippines namely, Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao will be conducting a simultaneous
“Walk for Life” on March 21, 2009 in Metro Manila,
Metro Cebu and Metro Davao. Nearby provinces
of Bulacan, Cavite and Pampanga have signified
their intention to join the Metro Manila Walk.
The “Walk for Life” of Luzon Jurisdiction has
adopted the theme “We Value Life” aim at incul-
cating in the minds of our brother knights and their
families that we should respect and give value to
life in all its stages.
The Luzon Officers led by no less than Luzon
Deputy Alonso L. Tan, State Secretary Arsenio
Isidro G. Yap, State Treasurer Joven B. Joaquin,
State Advocate Justice Jose C. Reyes, Jr. and State
Warden Pascual C. Carbero are promoting this
event as they want this replicated in major dioceses
of Luzon. They are ably being supported by the
State Program Director Bonifacio B. Martinez and
the State Family Director Alejandro V. Alvaira.
Brother knights from Baguio, Bicol and Laguna
have already confirmed that they will conduct a
similar event on the said date in their respective
areas.
The total number of expected participants in
Metro Manila has jump to 6,600 as of February
12, 2009, from 3,850 about two weeks earlier. This
figure was the confirmed attendance as promised
by the different District Deputies of Metro Manila
and nearby provinces. Included in the 6,600 are
about 2,000 Columbian Squires and 500 Boy Scouts
from Manila. The Luzon Office added that it is on
target to reach its goal of 10,000 participants by
March 21.
“Walk for Life” will be a yearly event for the
Knights of Columbus in Luzon. The Luzon Officers
hope the Visayas and Mindanao Jurisdictions will
do the same activity. It shall be held on the Satur-
day before March 25, Feast Day of the Annuncia-
tion, which is also known as the International Day
of the Unborn.
The Luzon Officers are calling on all brother
knights wherever they are, no matter how remote
their places are, and even if they are very few, to
conduct a similar event in their areas. We want
this “Walk for Life” a truly nationwide event.
(Arsenio Yap)
Take her to dinner, give her a dozen roses and
tell her in front of the waiters, “I love you. Won’t
you please be my Valentine forever and a day”
and give her a kiss and let me know what happens.
Remember, it’s never too late to say, “I love you”.
Make everyday of February a Valentine’s Day.
Good Luck and God Bless!
Announcement:
New Payment
Facility
Now you can pay your insurance contribution
with utmost convenience through BPI’s bill pay-
ment facility.

KCFAPI with its If you are a BPI Express Teller accountholder,

just enroll your reference number in BPI’s bill

theme “Sustaining payment facility. Then you can start paying

your insurance contribution through the bank’s
electronic channels.

Growth through You can enroll in three ways:

Fortified Fraternal
1. Call Express Phone 89-100 or 1-800-188-89100
TOLL FREE, dial “0” for Other Products and Ser-
vices, then another “0” for Other Concerns.

Service” is 2. Log on to www.bpiexpressonline.com (for

existing Express Online users only)

evidenced by its
3. Visit your branch of account

continued ISO
CERTIFICATION

Once enrolled, payments can be made

By Magdalene G. Flores
through any of the following:*
CERTIFICATION International Phils. recently · ATM
LAYOUT BY LAURENCE JOHN R. MORALES

held it 4th Surveillance Audit of the Knights of · Telephone, just dial 89-100
Columbus Fraternal Association of the Phils., · Cellphone, just go to Globe Services>My
Inc. (KCFAPI) operations and passed the Favorites>BPI Mobile
audit. This shows once again that the Associa- · Internet, just log on to www.bpiexpres-
tion continues and is relentless to provide the sonline.com
best service to its Benefit Certificate Holders
and their immediate families. KCFAPI is also *Payments via telephone, cellphone and in-
preparing itself for the transition from ISO ternet are available to accountholders who are
9001:2000 to ISO 9001:2008. enrolled users of these channels.

CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1 , 2009
Our Remarkable Strength
In the face of difficult circumstances, Knights respond with charitable work
By Carl A. Anderson, Supreme Knight
AS I write these words, a popular investment
magazine has released the results of a survey of fi-
nance executives responding to the question: “How
long will it take for the finance sector to return to
strength?” More than 50 percent of those surveyed
responded that it will take three to five years, and
an additional 20 percent said it would take six or
more years. Already, many people have lost their
savings and pensions; others have lost jobs and
homes; and still others have seen health care and
educational opportunities disappear. If the financial
experts are correct, these painful circumstances will
linger for a long time as we work to find a way out
of this deepening global recession.
The Cross
As if these problems were not enough, we see
almost every day new signs of uncertainty, pessi-
mism and even fear. At a time when charities are
hoping to do more, many are reporting a dramatic
downturn in contributions.
What about the Knights of Columbus?
First, let me report that while we have not been
unaffected by this financial crisis, we remain
extraordinarily strong. Our financial strength
relative to the industry as a whole has greatly
improved—it is even better today than it was
one year ago. Brother Knights and their families
should continue to have every confidence in our
financial stability.
Equally important, though, is that every brother
Knight should have confidence in the strength of
our Order as a force helping the world find a way
out of its present crisis. We all take justifiable pride
in our record work for charity — including $145
million in contributions and 69 million hours of
volunteer service during the last fraternal year
alone, as well as our tremendous service in the
aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks and hurricanes
Katrina and Rita.
The remarkable strength of the Knights of Co-
lumbus lies not only in our ability to give money,
but also in our ability to do things for people in
need. Our effective grassroots structure consists
of thousands of active councils, all of which are
motivated by the Christian principles of charity,
unity and fraternity.
This is the real “secret” of the Order’s charitable
work. As Pope Benedict XVI wrote in Deus Caritas
Est, “My deep personal sharing in the needs and
sufferings of others becomes a sharing of my very
self with them. ... I must give to others not only
something that is my own, but my very self; I must
be personally present in my gift” (34).
But if the pope has highlighted the path for us to
take, he has also emphasized the challenge before
us: “The Church is God’s family in the world. In
Supreme Knight calls for
increase in volunteerism
throughout United States
WITH the philanthropic giving index down 22
percent, and the economic crisis affecting non-
profit organizations nationwide, Carl Anderson,
Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus,
on Jan. 23 called for a summit of charitable and
volunteer organizations to be held in New York
City next month.
In a speech at Fairfield University, Anderson
invited the nation’s top charitable and volunteer
C3
this family no one ought to go without the necessi-
ties of life” (25). Of course, this family cannot stand
idly by while its neighbors are suffering.
Although this may not be a time in which many
of us can make dramatic increases in cash contribu-
tions to charity, we can all afford to give something
extra of our time—which is to say, give something
extra of ourselves. If every member of the Knights
of Columbus were to contribute just one additional
hour of volunteer service each week—less than 10
minutes a day—the dollar value of that effort alone
would surpass $1.7 billion this year.
During the Great Depression, people would
often hear passersby ask, “Buddy, can you spare
a dime?” Today, my question is: “Brother, can
you spare 10 minutes?” If enough of us do, we
can change the world—if not for everyone, then
at least for many who depend on the Knights of
Columbus for help.
Throughout our long history we have faced
many unexpected challenges and we have always
responded with determination and creativity.
I have every confidence that we will do so this
time as well.
Vivat Jesus!
organizations to attend a summit on Feb. 27 on
volunteerism and the charitable response to the
economic crisis.
The summit will be sponsored by the Knights
of Columbus and the Fairfield University Center
for Faith and Public Life.
Anderson encouraged charitable organizations
to work together with the new administration to
emphasize and create opportunities for volunteers,
especially at a time when financial donations to
charity are decreasing.
Speaking just days after the Jan. 19 National Day
of Service, Mr. Anderson also called for Americans
to take the spirit of that day forward and to make
2009 “the year of the volunteer.”
“Government and charities must work together
for the good of our country, and in difficult eco-
nomic times, that means creating opportunities for
Americans to give of their time and talent, as well
as their treasure,” said Anderson. “People may
be unable to donate $50 or $100 dollars to charity,
but everyone can certainly spend an extra hour a
week—that’s less than 10 minutes a day—doing
something for the good of his or her neighbor.”
(KCNews)
Supreme Knight
speaks at World
Meeting of
Families in
Mexico City
SUPREME Knight Carl A. Anderson ad-
dressed the Sixth World Meeting of Families
in Mexico City January 16, 2009 offering an
analysis of “Family and Solidarity,” drawing
upon the teachings of Popes John Paul II and
Benedict XVI.
Anderson pointed out that the notion of
solidarity, which Benedict noted was “de-
veloped initially among the early socialists,”
is actually “a Christian virtue,” according to
John Paul.
Today, however, “solidarity and the unity
of the human race is often divorced from God
and the ‘Christian idea of love’,” Anderson
said. Christians recognize the family as the
place where this idea is grounded, a place
where “human love and interdependence”
are “made apparent first in a relationship with
those who gave us life.”
Unfortunately, Anderson continued, “for
many children today being from a parent no
longer means being with a parent, and thus
no longer means having a parent present
being for that child. Likewise, parenthood is
separated from marriage, when being with a
spouse is separated from the openness of a
child being from the couple.”
“Without solidarity within the family, there
can be no solidarity beyond the family. With-
out an understanding and protection of the
family, there can be no easy understanding of
the human family that is society, the Christian
family that is the Church, or the family of
families that is the parish,” Anderson said.
World Meetings of Families were begun
by Pope John Paul II in 1994, and the first
one was held in Rome. Since then, they have
been held every three years, the most recent
having taken place in Spain in 2006. They
are sponsored by the Vatican and conducted
under the auspices of the Pontifical Council
for the Family, of which Supreme Knight
Anderson is a member. (KCNews)

C4
D.R.I.V.E. 110
The Area managers during the planning session at Holiday Inn, Clark. Present during the activity are Executive Vice President Ma.
Theresa G. Curia, President Antonio B. Borromeo and Fraternal Benefits Vice President Joseph P. Teodoro.
HAVE you experienced driving up to 110 kph? Too
slow, or better yet 110 mph? Well, you would prob-
ably tell yourself that it depends on the road and
weather condition, what type of car you drive and
what drives you to pump up your adrenalin.
D.R.I.V.E. is an acronym of FBGs theme for this
year. It stands for Deliver Results through Innova-
tive and Vigorous Efforts and 110 is the First Year
Contribution Income target of 2009.
Ronulfo Antero G. Infante
By Ira Tee
RAGI or Ronnie to his close friends is a graduate
of Computer Engineering from AMA Computer
University. He was first introduced to KCFAPI as
an IT Consultant in 1998. Exhibiting high technical
and managerial abilities, he was hired as Senior
Manager of MIS Department on the same year.
It was through his management that the Associa-
tion migrated from AS400 to PC-based platform
which enabled the company to have an Integrated
Benefits System (IBS).
Aside from his IT responsibilities, Ronnie was
appointed Risk Management Officer in 2007.
He is currently closely coordinating with the
Association’s departments in documenting the
Association-Wide Risk Management (AWRM), a
process designed to identify potential events that
may affect KCFAPI and manage risk within its ac-
ceptable level to provide reasonable assurance on
the achievement of the Association’s objectives.
Ronnie also actively participates in various Asso-
ciation activities. The September 2007 to September
2008 proved to be extra challenging for him being
Over-all Chairman of the Golden Jubilee Com-
mittee as he was tasked to oversee and organize a
number of programs for the year-long celebration
of the Association’s 50th Anniversary. During
the Jubilee Ball held September 2008, Ronnie was
recognized as Service Awardee for his 10 years of
service with KCFAPI.
A 3rd Degree Knight, Ronnie is married to
Cristina and they are blessed with four children:
Christine Joy, Charlene May, Rhon Christopher
and Christian Cielo.
Fraternal Benefits
Group
Schedule of Activities:
March 6-8, 2009
Fr. Willmann Annual Family Service
Awards
Cebu City
March 24-25, 2009
Fraternal Service Training (Luzon)
Home Office, Intramuros
April 23-24, 2009
Fraternal Benefits Convention
Venue to be announced
The Cross
During the first month of the year, the chief crew
of the drivers or commonly called as the Area Man-
agers had their planning conference for two days
at Holiday Inn, Clark for Luzon AMs and Golden
Prince Hotel in Cebu for Visayas and Mindanao
AMs. FBG’s Vice President, Bro. Joseph P. Teodoro
discussed the overview of 2008 Performance with
the major contributors for attaining the target and
provided a strategies for 2009 Plans and Programs.
MIS Senior Manager
2008 Annual Awards Contract signing with Marco Polo Hotel, Cebu. (Seated from left) Antonio T. Yulo (Treasurer), Ma. Theresa G. Curia (KCFAPI Executive Vice President), Antonio B. Borromeo
(KCFAPI President), Lynn Romero (Director for Sales & Marketing, Marco Polo), Vicky Magsino (Director for Sales, Marco Polo). (Standing from left) Peter Quieng (Account Executive, Marco Polo),
Joseph P. Teodoro (Fraternal Benefits Group Vice President), Gari M. San Sebastian (Fraternal Benefits Services Manager).
Officers and some members of Father Eusebio Salvador Council 8330, Sta. Maria Parish, Zamboanga City visited and extended
financial support to SK Rogelio Bantoto who was confined at the Doctor’s Hospital. In photo are (l-r) SK Eutemio Marcial, SK
Ceferino Go, Sir Temmy Tolentino, SK Andy C. Navato (Grand Knight), Bro. Jun Canlas (Squire Counselor), Sir Orly Sargento and
Sir Mar Cabanlit (Youth Director).
Additional 20 in 50
IN 2008 our BC Hold-
ers were paid P40 Mil-
lion in participation for
the Association’s 2007
Excess of Revenue over Expenses. A bonus of
P14 Million was given on top of the P26 Million
regular participation.
Again, this 2009, the Board approved a P33
Fraternal Benefits Group Area
Managers Planning Conference
The Luzon area managers during their planning conference at Holiday Inn, Clark
The Visayas-Mindanao area managers during their planning conference at Cebu
KCFAPI President, Bro. Antonio B. Borromeo and
Executive Vice President, Sis. Ma. Theresa G. Cu-
ria were present in these two occasions as panels
during the individual presentation of each area’s
Plans and Programs.
The Area Managers who met their target for 2008
were given Certificate of Recognition and a simple
token from our Golden Jubilee president. The
AMs who achieved and exceeded their targets for
Million participation
for the BC Holders pay-
able in May. On top of
this, another P20 Mil-
lion will be paid in September 2009. This is our
way of thanking you, our BC Holders, for your
more than 50 years of trust and confidence in
the Association.
CBCP Monitor
Vol. 13 No. 4
February 16 - March 1, 2009
2008 were Bro. Efren Casupanan of Central Luzon
Believers with 191.51%, Bro. Josefino Valencia of
North Western Luzon Thunders with 153.83%,
Bro. Conrado Dator, Jr. of Southern Luzon Lakers
with 151.67%, Bro. Nonilon Ayon of South Western
Luzon Stars with 147.36%, Bro. Victor Pulangco
of Central Luzon Diamonds with 135.84%, Bro.
Damaso Hernandez of Metro Manila Chancellors
with 130.65%, Bro. Manuel Naldoza of Central Lu-
zon Conquerors with 126.31%, Bro. Fidel Blatucas
of Eastern Mindanao with 124.79% and finally Bro.
Lorenzo Labrador of Central Mindanao Cowboys
with 110.63%.
This year, 2009 as the Chinese zodiac would tell
that it is the year of the Ox. O is a perfect shape
and a perfect number is symbolized by 100. X is a
roman numeral for ten, therefore OX is also 110!
We believe that the noise we will hear during
the year is not a crash but the sound of our FBG
salesforce shifting to higher gears! Vrooom! (Gary
M. San Sebastian)
You may contact KCFAPI through our TEXT CON-
NECT INFORMATION SYSTEM (TEXT BILIS)
Send to: 0917-825-KOFC or 0917-825-5632
To register
KCREG<space>FCCODE<space>PINCODE<spa
ce>CONFIRM CODE
Example: KCREG 00000 123456 123456
To inquire allowance
ALLW<space>FCCODE<space>PINCODE
Example: ALLW 00000 123456
To inquire for Submitted, Released & Paid BCs
SRP<space>FCCODE<space>MMYYYY
Example: SRP 00000 012008
To inquire for the status of Benefit Certificate
BCINQ<space>ACCOUNT#<space>BIRTHDATE
Example: BCINQ 1002840 01061971
To text a particular Department
DEPTCODE<space>Your Name<space>Your
Message
Example: To text Underwriting Department for
follow-up
UND Juan Dela Cruz Follow-up application of Bro.
Joel Garcia
DEPTCODE:
UND - for Underwriting
FBG - for FBG
FMAS - for FC’s Ac-
count
SERVICE - for BC Ser-
vices
CORPSRV - for FADB
FGJWF - for Founda-
tions