PHILIPPINES
Aljazeera
Al Jazeera investigation reveals the growing problem of sexual misconduct in the Philippines’ powerful Catholic church.
Sexual misconduct in the Catholic church is a growing problem in the Philippines, an Al Jazeera investigation has revealed, and priests suspected of abuse are seldom prosecuted.
Oscar Cruz, a retired archbishop overseeing the investigation, told Al Jazeera’s 101 East programme that in recent years more cases had come to the church’s attention.
“Yes, yes, yes… [there are] more reports on paedophilia and homosexuality,” Cruz said. “It is a heinous crime, you know. And a priest at that? Violating a minor? Come on!”
For centuries, the Catholic church has wielded considerable influence in the Philippines, with more than 80 percent of a 100 million-strong population following the faith.
“If clerical abuse victims take on the most powerful institution in the Philippines, it is a David and Goliath battle,” 101 East’s Drew Ambrose, reporting from the capital Manila, said.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, “Imelda” said she was sexually assaulted by a priest three years ago, when she was 15.
After she filed a police report, two members from her village church paid her $150 to drop the case, she alleged.
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