DIVINE HOPE
God's solution to RP crisis coming—Lagdameo

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

On the occasion of the 25 th anniversary of his Episcopal ordination, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo expressed hope that there would be a solution to the crisis besetting the Philippines' political landscape.

“There will be a God's solution,” Lagdameo told reporters after the mass celebrated on his 25 th year as bishop.

Lagdameo is the incoming president of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, an 80-strong assembly of Catholic bishops in Asia's only Christian-dominated country. He will takeover Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla in December 31, 2005.

“We are the in the midst of a political crisis. But you know, God somehow seems to control it. How God is controlling it we do not know how. But I am waiting for God's solution,” he added, referring to the issues against President Arroyo ranging from involvement to illegal gambling to electoral fraud. There is now a pending impeachment complaint against Mrs. Arroyo in the House of Representatives.

At the same time, Lagdameo called on the Catholic faithful in the archdiocese to unite.

“Let us always be together in work(ing) and in thanking God for the blessings.”

This was an echo of what Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Rev. Antonio Franco DD, earlier said in his address to the people during the mass celebrated Friday morning last week.

When we are together, we will not sink because we will still float as our eyes are fixed on the Lord, Lagdameo exhorted.

Even the occasion was not spared from politics.

Former President Corazon Aquino, Senate President Franklin Drilon, former Land Reform Secretary Rene Villa and Governor Niel Tupas visited Lagdameo Thursday last week.

Although Lagdameo described it as ‘friendly visit,' it triggered speculations that Aquino and Drilon had tried to convince the prelate into calling for Arroyo's resignation.

But Lagdameo denied these speculations.

“Oh no, they did not,” Lagdameo said.

“Actually, it was just a friendly visit. They came only to greet me…but it was just a friendly visit,” Lagdameo added.

Aquino and Drilon arrived here Thursday morning. Tupas and Villa greeted them at the airport. Tupas and Villa, both identified with Drilon, bolted from the administration and demanded Arroyo's resignation.

Aquino and Drilon had lunch with Lagdameo at the Archbishop's Palace in Jaro. To avoid media, the two entered through the back gate. They left for Manila after lunch.

“They know it's already there in our pastoral letter. What they are calling for is already contained in the pastoral letter (of the CBCP),” Lagdameo said, referring to Aquino and Drilon. “We stay pat on our CBCP position.”

According to him, the CBCP is proposing three alternatives: the creation of a truth commission, impeachment and the ‘willful resignation' of President Arroyo.

“Our position covers everything…all options,” he pointed out.