here's what the leader of the church's take on this issue:
“WHATEVER they like to do, I do not care,” was Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal’s reaction to the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) inquiry on the alleged harassment of high school students by a priest.
“I hope to respect the rights of others if they want also to respect my own rights...I have my own rights as an individual,” Cardinal Vidal continued.
The prelate was referring to his right not to name the priest. He clarified, though, that he is willing to cooperate with the NBI if ever he gets a subpoena.
But he did not categorically say that he will go to the NBI.
“I can open my house. We have to respect whatever (the government) wants to do...I’m still a citizen of this country,” said Vidal.
He would even go as far as opening the Archbishop’s Residence if the NBI wants to search it.
But Cardinal Vidal reiterated that he does not know where the priest is now, and cannot confirm whether reports that the priest has left the country are true.
“I do not know where he is because he has no permanent assignment,” the cardinal said.
The prelate was also saddened by reports that the high school students who accused the priest of harassment do not want to confess anymore.
“I’m sorry for that, but that’s why I have to suspend the priest and he cannot anymore hear confession,” he said.
“
.......The problem is they did not come to me...I’m open. And that is the usual procedure. Anybody who has a complaint about a priest, they come to me,” said Vidal.
“This time, they did not come to me, they went to you,” he continued, referring to the media.
The issue being highlighted in the media has also caused a bigger problem, opined the cardinal.
“As long as this is hot, ay mahirap...” said Vidal. “They think that all of us are like that, it cannot be. He is only one, he is an exception.”
and the
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all i can is, OUTSTANDING, sir!