MANILA (PHILIPPINES)
Philippine Daily Inquirer [Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines]
May 4, 2025
By Jerome Aning
Since his appointment to a full-time position in the Roman Curia, former Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle no longer holds “direct authority” over any diocese in the Philippines, particularly those where allegations and actual cases of sexual abuse and misconduct by clergy have been reported.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) pointed this out on Saturday apparently in response to recent foreign media reports which accused Tagle of not being vocal enough about such cases in the country.
“Consequently, he is not involved in the governance or disciplinary matters of Philippine dioceses. The responsibility for addressing allegations of misconduct by clergy rests with the respective diocesan bishops or religious superiors,” CBCP said.
The statement, signed by CBCP secretary general, Msgr. Bernardo Pantin, said that during Tagle’s tenure as bishop of Imus in Cavite and later as Manila archbishop, the cardinal “actively participated in the development and implementation of these guidelines.”
“He (Tagle) has consistently advocated for a humble and responsive Church that listens to the cries of the wounded and acts decisively to protect the vulnerable,” CBCP said.