ILOILO CITY – Catholic Bishops of the Conference of the Philippines President Angel Lagdameo is unfazed by threats of being ousted from his position because of his perceived critical stance on the Arroyo administration.

Even if their latest pastoral statement did not call for the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo, Lagdameo, the archbishop of Jaro, said the bishops may eventually call for the resignation of the President if their calls and suggestions contained in their February 26 pastoral statement will not be met.

“Non-fulfillment of our calls and challenges,” Lagdameo said when asked what could make the bishops openly call for the President's resignation.

In their pastoral statement issued after a special plenary meeting, the bishops called on the President and all branches of government to take the lead in combating graft and corruption.

They also recommended the abolition of Executive Order 464, which bars officials from testifying in investigations without the approval of the President. This has been invoked by administration officials to refuse to attend congressional investigations on alleged anomalies.

The bishops also called on the President “to allow her subordinates to reveal any corrupt acts, particularly about the ZTE-NBN deal, without being obstructed in their testimony no matter who is involved.”

Lagdameo said that in the coming days, they will be watching at how the government will respond to their calls and suggestions.

The prelate said he is not disturbed by reports of threats that he might be ousted from his position as head of the influential CBCP.

“I am not bothered. I don't think the bishops will do it. 'Ouster' is not in the language of bishops,” he said.

He also pointed out that there is no provision in the CBCP Constitution on the removal from office of the body's officials.

The prelate, who is serving his second consecutive two-year term as CBCP president until December 2009, noted that no CBCP president has ever been removed from office.

Lagdameo was reacting to reports quoting Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos that he faces threats of being ousted from his position if he remains under the “dangerous influence” of bishops calling for the resignation of the President like Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz.

Pueblos, in the report, also advised Lagdameo to be “extra-careful” and to consult first with his fellow bishops before issuing political statements like the one where he called for a “new brand of people power.”

Lagdameo said he was not able to talk to Pueblos and he was unaware of the reported statements.

“I was told the good bishop is in Rome. He was not present during the CBCP special plenary meeting (on February 26),” said Lagdameo.

Lagdameo defended Cruz, a staunch critic of the administration who has been openly calling for the resignation of the President.

Lagdameo said describing Cruz as a “dangerous influence” is “not a fair presentation.”

“Archbishop Cruz and I are in good company...(Cruz) cannot influence me (because) we have our own independent thoughts. I like many of (his) ideas and he also likes my ideas,” said Lagdameo.

But Lagdameo said he would welcome it if he were not head of the CBCP anymore.

“I will be happy and grateful. You know, it is very difficult (to be CBCP president) at this time,” he said breaking into laughter.

Asked if he is constrained to voice out his personal stance on issues because it might be construed as the position of the CBCP, Lagdameo said he does not think so.

Reacting to criticisms that the pastoral statements have been vague and general, Lagdameo said they have been clear on what they expect from the administration and their flock.

“Civil society should take the led. Our role is pastoral, moral guidance. The Church will be where the people will be,” he said.

He said it was clear in their pastoral statements that they respect “the common discernment and decision of civil society.”

“If (the) call for resignation is the result of the common discernment and decision, we respect that” because, he said, calling for resignation is “a political act which civil society is entitled with.”

He said the people “do not have to wait (to act) until bishops say anything, as has been done before.”*NPB

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