The Philippines' influential catholic statement of not joining the mounting call for the president's resignation has helped ease the political tension in the country, but Gloria Macapagal-Arroy's opposition has vowed to continue with protest actions "until she steps down."

In a statement issued Sunday afternoon after a two-day consideration, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), which has a decisive influence over Filipino public opinion, said it would not demand the resignation of Arroyo but asked her not to simply dismiss calls for her to step down.

"In the present situation we believe that no single concrete option regarding president Macapagal-Arroyo can claim to be the only one demanded by the Gospel. Therefore, in a spirit of humanity and truth, we declare our prayerfully discerned collective decision that we do not demand her resignation," said the statement read out by Archbishop Perrando Capalla, president of the CBCP.

Meanwhile, the CBCP demanded for a Truth Commission and urged to "deeply discern what extent she (Arroyo) has contributed to the erosion of public trust."

Hearing the church's statement, president Arroyo was both " happy and humbled," according to government media secretary Cerge Remonde, since earlier reports have said the bishops were divided over the stance toward current calls for her resignation.

The Church has traditionally played a politically powerful role in this predominantly Catholic nation and was at the forefront of the popular revolts that put Aquino into power in 1986 and Arroyo in 2001.

Later in her radio speech on Sunday evening, Arroyo thanked the CBCP for its "statement of guidance and wisdom" and vowed to do all she could to earn the "trust and support" of the nation.

"I appreciate their collective voice of moderation and temperance at this time of national soul-searching," she said.

Arroyo promised to follow the appeal of the bishops for her to "search deeply for moral discernment," working with the church, civil society and all sectors to get the economy moving and ending the political bickering that she said has caused harm to the nation.

However, the mild attitude of the church is unlikely to stop the opposition's call for the president's resignation.

In response to the CBCP's statement, House of Representatives Minority Leader Fransis Escudaro said in a TV interview that he respects the CBCP's stand but the opposition will continue with its protest action until Arroyo steps down.

Representative Gilbert Remulla, chair of the Committee on Public Information, one of five panels looking into the alleged wiretapped tapes of Arroyo's conversation with an election official, said the CBCP's stand will only further deepen the divisions in society since passions are reaching fever pitch.

Opposition Senator Serge Osmena said Arroyo should not yet jump for joy over the CBCP's stand rejecting calls for her resignation, noting the bishops' statement would not diminish or weaken the growing discontent of the people over the president's lack of moral ascendancy to govern.

Osmena believed senate president Franklin Drilon, former president Cory Aquino, the Cabinet members who resigned would not reverse their position for Arroyo to step down.

Hours before the CBCP's statement, Arroyo enjoyed a relax walk with her family along Roxas Boulevard downtown Manila, appearing in an air of ease and confidence. Her closest allies had also expressed their optimism toward the church's attitude.

Since early June, Arroyo has been troubled by the wire-tapping presented by her opposition, which revealed her conversation with an official of the independent Election Committee in last year's presidential election. Her opposition alleged that it shows Arroyo has been in a conspiracy with electoral officials to ensure her success against late candidate Fernado Poe Jr.

Breaking three-week-long silence, Arroyo delivered a TV address on June 27, saying she did call an electoral official. While apologizing for such "lapse of judgment," she did not admit manipulation of the poll.

The wire-tapping accusations, along with the illegal gambling Jueteng case involving Arroyo's husband and brother-in-law, has been damaging her administration's credibility in public opinion.

In order to avoid further noise around the Jueteng scandal, the first gentleman left the country for the United States last week. However, the opposition continued their charges against Arroyo's election fraud, calling for her resignation.

On evening of July 7, Arroyo addressed the nation on radio, urging all cabinet members to resign. Her abrupt move was seen as a preemptive action against several dissident cabinet members who had been planning to resign collectively.

On the following day, 10 members of Arroyo cabinet declared resignation, calling for Arroyo's stepdown. Former president Corazon Aquino and chairman of the senate also joined calls for Arroyo to give up her presidency.

Meanwhile, Fidel Ramos, the former president who still has strong influence in the army and police, expressed his support to Arroyo, but under a proposal for a early presidential election next year.

Now with the neutrality of both the church and the army, Arroyo enjoys backing position from her close allies, as well as many sectors of the society, especially the local governments. She hopes the nation will move on despite the current political crisis, but observers are doubtful whether the turmoil is coming near an end.

Source: Xinhua