Bishops nix confirmation of Enrile's wife as RP envoy to Vatican

MANILA, Philippines - Some members of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed reservation on the confirmation of the wife of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile as Philippine ambassador to Vatican City.

Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso said that while the Church respected the decision of the Commission on Appointments to confirm Cristina Castañer-Ponce Enrile's appointment to the post, some members of the clergy did not welcome the confirmation because of alleged morality issues.

Sen. Enrile earlier denied that his wife's appointment was a reward for his defense of the Arroyo administration during Senate hearings.

He also said that he still lives with his wife, denying rumors that they are already a estranged couple.

Several Catholic bishops were surprised when the Palace announced that Mrs Enrile would replace Leonida Vera as ambassador to Vatican.

"It's now between the Vatican and Philippines. We're out of it already, but for us, we only ask what should be the proper thing. But we can never really ask what is right," Medroso said.

"We are really disappointed because we were never consulted. The CBCP could give an opinion. Now if our opinion would be received or not, that's President (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s) prerogative," he added. - GMANews.TV

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