The Philippines. Cardinal Sin

Bienvenido Macario sends me material about the Philippines, including a column from Frontline (2/27/02), of which here is only an extract. It claims that the well-to-do support the unfortunately named Cardinal Sin, who favors President Gloria Arroyo, while the people back ousted President Estrada. I post it only because it is an extreme example of the anti-clericalism in Catholic countries, and shows a lamentably low level of political discourse:

"During the homily, Jimmy the Sin intimated broadly that Estrada should not be allowed to leave for the US because this would be stupidity and a mockery of justice. Predictably, this was met with applause by the frigging elite who were in attendance. For someone who claims to be wed to the Bible, Jimmy the Sin misses out on what the Bible says on mercy. Was it not Jesus himself who stopped the Jews from stoning to death a woman caught for adultery? And did He not rebuke the Jews, calling them hypocrites and telling them that he who is not without sin may cast the first stone? The thing is, allowing Estrada to go abroad for his knee surgery has nothing to do with mercy. It is in fact an act of justice, as it is merely giving one what is due a person. Not to accede to Estrada's request is to deny him his right, which would be injustice. The treatment abroad, as pointed out by one, would not acquit Estrada".

Ronald Hilton - 2/28/02