Politics corrupting the Church, says activist priest

AN activist priest on Wednesday criticized patronage politics as a source of corruption in the Catholic Church, giving credence to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) exposé that some bishops have benefited from government coffers.

Activist priest Robert Reyes said politicians usually give donations in courting the support of Catholic bishops who wield some influence over the parishioner in their respective dioceses.

“That practice is not exclusive to the Catholic Church,” noted Father Reyes, saying that other religious groups also benefit from politicians’ donations, some of which come from government agencies such as the PCSO.

The PCSO has exposed at least six bishops who allegedly received donations such as expensive vehicles from the government during the Arroyo administration, said a report on GMA News’ “24 Oras” newscast on Wednesday.

The 1987 Constitution prohibits the use of public funds, directly or indirectly, to support any religious group, the newscast reported.

Report from GMANews.TV