Philippines: Archbishop who led criticism of government corruption steps down

September 08, 2009

A Filipino prelate who has been one of the leading public critics of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has resigned, just short of his 75th birthday. The Vatican announced on September 8 that Pope Benedict had accepted the resignation of Archbishop Oscar Cruz, of Lingayen-Dagupan, "upon having reached the age limit." In fact Archbishop Cruz was several weeks short of his 75th birthday, when he would have been required by canon law to submit his resignation. But the former president of the Filipino bishops' conference had actually offered his resignation two years ago.

Archbishop Cruz had been vocal in his criticism of government corruption. Regarded as a protégé of the late Cardinal Jaime Sin, who had an enormous impact on the politics of the Philippines, he will be replaced in the Lingayen-Dagupan archdiocese by Archbishop-elect Socrates Villegas, a native of Manila who was also a closely ally of Cardinal Sin.

 

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Further information:

• Vatican accepts resignation of anti-Arroyo archbishop (ABS/CBN)
• Other pontifical acts (VIS)