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CBCP cites Mrs. Arroyo's infrastructure program


She may not have gotten top marks from church leaders, but outgoing President and incoming Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo got credit from Catholic bishops for the infrastructure works during her term. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Sunday many bishops gave their nod of approval to the road networks built in poorer areas of the country under the Arroyo administration. “These projects helped a lot of Filipinos," said Batanes Bishop Camilo Gregorio, saying he and other bishops have carefully monitored government infrastructure projects. Gregorio also said government should encourage private companies to invest in transportation facilities in the 302 square-mile prelature. But Gregorio also acknowledged that the accomplishments of the administration were overshadowed by reports of graft and corruption. He said people should not expect instant change and improvement in their lives. People should be more cautious, realistic and patient because the country cannot simply recover from its problems at once, the bishop said. Bangued Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian also credited the government’s poverty alleviation programs, such as Kalahi and Pantawid-Gutom for helping the poorest of Abra’s residents. Meanwhile, Dumaguete Bishop John Du said development programs and significant contributions from overseas Filipinos helped prop up the economy amid the global economic crisis. But he does not wish for a similar administration from the incoming president. “Let us pray Senator Aquino’s management style would be a departure from the present one." Meeting with Aquino The CBCP is eyeing a meeting with President-apparent Sen. Benigno Aquino III regarding the Reproductive Health Bill. But a Radio dzBB report on Sunday said the CBCP will first meet with incoming members of the 15th Congress on the matter. Fr. Melvin Castro, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Family and Life executive secretary, said the bishops would like to stress the Church’s continued opposition to the RH bill. Justice for all Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said incoming President Aquino should prosecute Mrs. Arroyo, members of her official family and even people close to her for graft and corruption. He said it is imperative for the general public to know that justice is not just for the poor but for the affluent people too. “The incoming chief executive should not only go after President Arroyo and some members of her family but her cabinet members as well." Cruz said the new administration should also go after the likes of former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante, the supposed engineer of the P728-million fertilizer scam. —Ma. Carmela Guanzon Lapeña/VS, GMANews.TV

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