Philippine archbishop says government policy should be challenged

Published: 2005-10-18

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- After police used water cannons against a procession that included nuns and priests, the president-elect of the Philippine bishops' conference said a new government policy prohibiting demonstrations without permits should be challenged in an "appropriate court." On Oct. 15, Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro, the president-elect, said in a written statement that the previous day's "violent dispersal" of protesters intent on holding a prayer assembly near President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's office was "uncalled for and objectionable." In that incident, police dispersed hundreds of marchers headed to San Beda College in downtown Manila for a Mass organized by a movement for a nationalist economy. The nationwide movement of business leaders, scholars, urban poor and others is calling for Arroyo's ouster and the establishment of a nationalist government to replace her administration. Former Philippine Vice President Teofisto Guingona and Father Robert Reyes were among those in the front lines who were drenched. Retired Bishop Julio Labayen of Infanta was following in a van because the 79-year-old prelate could not walk the whole route, said Father Reyes.

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