Filipino bishops apologize for accepting cars, gifts from government office
July 11, 2011
The Catholic bishops’ conference of the Philippines has issued an apology on behalf of those bishops who accepted money and luxury vehicles from the government’s Charity Sweepstakes office.
Acknowledging that public controversy over the gifts has “deeply wounded” the Catholic community, the bishops expressed their “deep sorrow” for the problem, and promised to take steps to ensure proper relations with charitable groups in the future.
The bishops’ statement denied any intentional wrongdoing, but said that bishops who received gifts would face the legal consequences for their actions.
A spokesman for President Benigno Aquino welcomed the bishops’ statement.
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Further information:
- CBCP apologizes for PCSO fund controversy (GMA)
- Philippine Catholic leaders apologize for alleged illegal donations received by some bishops (AP)
- Palace welcomes apology from bishops (Star)
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