PHILIPPINES
Rappler
by Aries Rufo
Posted on 06/20/2012
MANILA, Philippines — He says he has nothing to hide and is willing to step down if allegations of financial mismanagement against him are proven true.
But Parañaque Bishop Jesse Mercado still won’t open for scrutiny the financial records of his diocese.
Breaking his silence Wednesday, June 20, on a Rappler investigation that he misused donations for calamity victims, Mercado issued a blanket denial that the money was misappropriated.
He said the story, published June 18, was peddled by disgruntled priests in his diocese who belonged to “a small group, about 5 or 6 who have some difficulties.”
We have reported that priests and lay leaders had asked the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Giuseppi Pinto, to investigate Mercado.
The 61-year-old bishop admitted he recently met with the Papal Nuncio but said they did not talk about the controversy.
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