MANILA, Philippines -- President Aquino may have said that he is willing to risk excommunication in pushing for the passage of the controversial Responsible Parenthood Bill, but a Catholic prelate expressed doubt Tuesday that the President fully understood what he dared say. “I doubt if the President knows what excommunication is… honest,” said retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz.
“I think for somebody to know if he is excommunicated or not, he should not only know the subject matters for excommunication but also what excommunication really means,” Cruz said.
Excommunication is a Church penalty, which means the person concerned is being separated from the spiritual benefits enjoyed by all members of the Church, including the acceptance of Holy Communion.
The Canon Law states that the only ground for an individual to be excommunicated is when he/she hurts the Pope or when he or she commits and/or is an accessory to the commission of abortion.
Cruz then asked who wrote Aquino’s speech during the 100th commencement exercise of the University of the Philippines (UP) when the President was quoted on the excommunication remark.
“Who wrote that speech for him? Why say it in a graduation ceremony?” he asked. “I am sorry. I don’t know if he realizes how he is being maneuvered by those behind him. I don’t think he writes his speeches.”
Over the weekend, Aquino said he is firm in his conviction to have the responsible parenthood bill passed despite strong and persistent opposition from some sectors, particularly the Roman Catholic Church.
The Chief Executive said he is firm on his obligation to pass the bill despite the threats of some members of the Catholic Church to have him excommunicated.
Leslie Ann Aquino, Manila Bulletin
