Church ‘must stop taking tainted cash’

The Philippine Church must stop benefiting from the very corruption that it seeks to eradicate, says a social activist priest.

“There are some Church institutions that are receiving [money] from government institutions like the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagor), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) etc.,” said Father Jose Dizon.

The priest, a member of Solidarity Philippines which promotes Church social teachings, made these comments amid controversy over huge bonuses and perks that officials of government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) allegedly gave themselves.

The Philippine Senate is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.

© Full report at ucanews.com

Gay clergy urged to ‘heal’ themselves

Catholic leaders must address the issue of homosexuality and the “healing process” must start with the “gay bishops and priests,” a leader of a Catholic homosexuals group said.

Rolando de los Reyes Jr., head of Courage Philippines told a recent gathering of some 30 guidance counsellors and teachers from various Catholic schools in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, that the Church has been consistently bold and daring in opposing abortion, sex education in public schools and use of contraception but not homosexuality.

“Why? Because even in the Church we have problems of homosexuality,” de los Reyes said.

© Full report at ucanews.com

Be the solution, priest tells students

Former Pampanga governor Father Eduardo “Among Ed” Panlilio told University of the Philippines students in Quezon City that miracles can happen in politics.

In an address on prospects for changing Philippine politics and society, Panlilio said that reforms he introduced in Pampanga showed that it is “possible to have transparency, accountability, people participation, respect for ecology, humility and dignity in public service.”

He urged students to “be hopeful” and to “be a solution to the problem.”

He added that he now hopes to resume his priestly ministry following his failed bid for re-election.

© Full report at ucanews.com