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Ermita belittles People Power calls, says conditions not ripe


Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita on Wednesday belittled calls made by the head of the Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for the civil society to lead another people power to allow the country to rise above the corruption in government. This, as Ermita said the administration shares former President Fidel Ramos’ view that the present conditions are not ripe for another People Power revolution. In a press conference, Ermita said CBCP president and Iloilo archbishop Angel Lagdameo’s call for a people power will “not happen," adding that one bishop’s sentiment is not necessarily the view of the CBCP which is composed of 97 bishops. “This is not necessarily the position of the entire leadership of the Catholic Church especially represented by CBCP. Do you know we have 97 members of the CBCP?" There are 81 bishops and 14 archbishops and the highest are the 2 cardinals – Rosales and Vidal. And the one talking right now is Bishop Lagdameo... backed by two bishops who are not necessarily admirers of the President," Ermita said. When asked if Lagdameo’s statement is seen to escalate the political current political noise, Ermita said: “I dont think so." “Look at actual situation on the ground. Just because Lagdameo said something, it doesn’t follow that it will happen… That’s just his personal opinion but I don’t believe its enough to get the spark needed to make it happen," he added. Ermita also said the administration shares the sentiment of Ramos that the country has not reached the critical mass needed for the conduct of a successful People Power. “Former President Ramos says elements of a People Power are not yet present… We believe conditions and reasons at present not enough," Ermita said. Last Tuesday, Lagdameo said the civil society should lead in the country’s “new brand of People Power." This, as he expressed disappointment over the results of the Church-backed People Power II which he said installed a President who is now being judged by local surveys as the country’s "most corrupt" leader. In the press conference, Ermita said it is not fair to say that it was only the Church that is responsible for the People Power II’s success. In the same breath, Ermita said the President will not step down from her post just because several sectors in Metro Manila want her to step down. “They cannot make claim that they are the only ones who placed her (President Arroyo) in power... That’s why we have a process e. Gusto ba natin tuwi-tuwina may sabi bumaba ka dyan because we are not satisfied with you (that you would already step down)?... It won’t serve the ends of democracy if we just believe the noise here in Metro Manila," Ermita said. Ermita also said the administration will continue to hold dialogues with leaders of the Church to communicate the administration’s policies and messages. “There are dialogues before... (and) we continue to have dialogues with leaders of the Church no matter the sect," Ermita said. Also, Ermita said despite Lagdameo’s calls, the government will not move to hinder the planned inter-faith rally on February 29. “If it’s prayer rally I don’t see how and why administration would have to do anything to prevent it... Friday’s rally was very peaceful, the La Salle (gathering) was just a mass... Let the thing happen as long as it is within the law," Ermita said. - GMANews.TV

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