CBCP clarifies Tagle role as reports recall sex abuse cases vs priests
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.
Recognizing the gravity of clerical sexual abuse, CBCP said it initiated the drafting of the Pastoral Guidelines on Sexual Abuses and Misconduct by the Clergy in the early 2000s.
These guidelines, circulated in September 2003, were developed to address allegations and actual cases of sexual abuse and misconduct by clergy in the Philippines. They emphasized pastoral care for victims, the healing of communities, assessment of the accused and appropriate sanctions for offenders.
CBCP also established the Office for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons, currently headed by San Fernando, Pampanga, Archbishop Florentino Lavarias.
Each diocese in the Philippines is mandated to establish its own office dedicated to the protection of minors and vulnerable adults, ensuring that every Church institution becomes a safe space for all.
CBCP said that according to canon law, diocesan bishops bear the primary responsibility for addressing allegations of sexual abuse by clergy incardinated in their dioceses. They are required to conduct preliminary investigations and, if warranted, report cases to the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith in the Vatican for further action.
Case database
“The CBCP remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of all members of the Church, especially the most vulnerable. We continue to seek guidance from the Holy See and collaborate with civil authorities to ensure that justice is served and that the Church becomes a beacon of hope and safety for all,” the bishops’ group said.
“The CBCP expresses profound sorrow and solidarity with all victims and survivors of sexual abuse, especially those harmed by members of the clergy. We acknowledge the deep wounds inflicted upon individuals and communities and commit ourselves to the path of healing, justice and renewal,” it added.
BishopAccountability.Org, a United States—based sex abuse tracking group, recently made public a database identifying 82 priests and brothers with ties to the Philippines who have been publicly accused of sexually abusing minors.
The database includes Filipino priests accused of sexually abusing minors in the Philippines; Filipino priests who served part of their priesthood in the Philippines but who are accused of sexually abusing minors while working in the United States; and accused clergy from other countries—specifically, the United States, Ireland and Australia—who served part of their priesthood in the Philippines.
