Why some bishops think PNoy should apologize

President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16, 2015). (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

MANILA — For some Catholic bishops, President Aquino must apologize over the Mamasapano incident which killed 44 Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) commandos.

Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of Marbel, Cotabato province, said in a phone interview with Philippine Daily Inquirer that more than his being the Commander in Chief, apologizing would be a sign of humility.

“Humility is a sign of true leadership.

He should accept responsibility. Genuine leaders never pass the buck. Humility is truth, a Christian virtue,” he said.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes also have similar reason when asked whether or not Aquino should publicly apologize.

“Humility is a great virtue needed by public servants. Pride can lead to destruction,” Bastes said.

While some bishops agree that the president should apologize, others are calling for his resignation.

Both bishops Ramon Arguelles and Broderick Pabillo shares the same opinion on asking the president to step down.

“He should step down to give the forsaken 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) eternal rest and give the Filipino people a fresh start,” said Arguelles in the same PDI report.

“It’s not enough to apologize. Punish and prosecute the ones who are responsible because lives have been lost,” Pabillo added in a separate interview.