Manila archbishop asks court to junk cases against him

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales on Tuesday asked the Manila Prosecutor’s Office to dismiss the cases filed against him by lawyer Elly Pamantong. In his counter-affidavit submitted to Manila Prosecutor’s Office, Rosales denied the charges filed against him by Pamatong, saying they have no basis “in fact and in law.” “I vehemently deny the charges of human rights violation, public disorder, swindling and immoral doctrines. The charges have no basis in fact and in law but are simply based on one's religious belief and/or faith and are outside the jurisdiction of the public prosecutor,” he said. To recall, Pamatong charged Rosales and Pope Benedict XVI for “arrogantly, oppressively and offensively mounting loud speakers on church rooftops, towers, belfries, and trees that are blaring monotonous rituals and falsehoods, seriously disturbing the peace and quiet of non-Catholics throughout the country.” According to Pamatong, the acts of Rosales and the Pope are punishable under the Revised Penal Code 153 and Article 699 of the Civil Code of the Philippines. - GMANews.TV