Cebu, San Carlos dioceses reaffirm commitment to transparency, accountability

Local

THE Archdiocese of Cebu and the Diocese of San Carlos have issued statements clarifying the status of priests named in a recently released global database of clergy accused of sexual abuse.

The two dioceses reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable individuals.

Cebu Archbishop José Palma confirmed that three priests incardinated in the Archdiocese were included in the database.

However, he emphasized that they had already undergone both legal and ecclesiastical processes before being allowed to return to ministry.

"On this note, we attest that of the names listed, only three names are identified as incardinated in the Archdiocese and have already been re-integrated in active ministry today but only because they have gone through the required legal and canonical processes in the past and have been determined by competent civil and ecclesiastical authorities as fit to return to active ministry but with continued guidance and supervision," Palma said.

He also clarified that another priest named in the list is in Cebu but is actually incardinated in a different diocese.

"His presence in Cebu was intended to facilitate an ongoing renewal program that was required of him by his diocesan bishop. He has been fully cooperative with both civil and ecclesiastical authorities that are overseeing his situation," Palma added.

The Archbishop further confirmed that one of the priests named has already been dismissed from the clerical state, while another has passed away.

Palma also highlighted the Archdiocese’s proactive stance in safeguarding measures, requiring its clergy to undergo annual mandatory training to remain in active service.

He acknowledged the gravity of abuse cases but also stressed that justice must be applied fairly, ensuring that while the guilty are held accountable, the wrongly accused are not unjustly punished.

He reiterated that addressing such issues is not solely the responsibility of Church leaders but of the entire Catholic community.

He underscored the interconnectedness of the Church and the importance of moving forward as a community to seek redemption, describing this journey as one of faith and hope.

Meanwhile, the Diocese of San Carlos addressed concerns regarding two of its priests, Fr. Conrado Mantac and Fr. Aron Buenacosa, who are facing allegations of sexual abuse of minors.

The Diocese confirmed that both priests remain on administrative leave and are not engaged in ministerial duties.

"Both priests remain on administrative leave and are not currently engaged in any ministerial duties," the Diocese said in its statement, noting that their cases remain under review by the Diocesan Safeguarding Office.

The Diocese assured the public that it is fully cooperating with civil authorities and the Philippine courts to ensure due process and the proper implementation of disciplinary measures.

In response to concerns about their participation in religious events, the Diocese clarified that the participation of Fr. Mantac and Fr. Buenacosa as co-celebrants at certain liturgical events does not equate to active pastoral ministry.

“Their status remains unchanged, and they continue to be under administrative leave," it said.

Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza reassured the faithful that the Diocese remains committed to transparency and accountability.

"We recognize the deep concern these allegations may cause within our community, and we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and synodality throughout this process. The Diocese continues to prioritize the safety of children and the protection of vulnerable individuals above all else," Alminaza stated.

The statements from the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Diocese of San Carlos come amid renewed scrutiny over how the Catholic Church in the Philippines handles allegations of clerical abuse.

Bishop Accountability, an international organization tracking clergy accused of misconduct, recently released a database listing 82 Filipino priests allegedly involved in sexual abuse, including at least 10 connected to Cebu.

Among those named were Rev. Jose "Joey" Belcina, Rev. Benedicto "Ben" Ejares, the late Msgr. Cristobal Garcia, and Rev. Apolinario "Jing" Mejorada, among others.

While some cases had been publicly reported before, few have resulted in criminal convictions or permanent removals from ministry.

Victims’ advocacy groups continue to push for stronger accountability measures, arguing that Church-led initiatives alone are insufficient.

While the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has established an Office for the Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults, critics insist that independent oversight and legal action remain necessary to ensure true justice and accountability.(MyTVCebu)