The Pajero 7

MANILA

Margarito Juico, the new Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairman, revealed that the government agency is verifying reports that former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo used its funds to get the support of a number of bishops, among which were seven prelates who received Mitsubishi Pajero vehicles, before she stepped down from office in 2010. Allies of Arroyo in the previous PCSO Board had left the agency with some P4 billion in debt.

Juico said that P6.9 million of PCSO fund was allocated for the purchase of five to six utility vehicles supposedly given to the Archdiocese of Cotabato, Zamboanga, Caritas Nueva Segovia, Basilan and Butuan from February to July 2009.

The Pajero Seven

Right now no bishop came forward to admit that they received a Mitsubishi Pajero from Arroyo through PCSO.

Prelates Who Drive a Pajero

Jesus Dosado, bishop of Ozamiz (gray Pajero)

Juan de Dios Pueblos, bishop of Butuan (blue Pajero) [also owns a silver Mitusbishi Montero Sports]--a known ally of the Arroyo administration

"Malacañang Diocese"

All Catholic bishops know the members of the so-called Malacañang Diocese, the members of which could be the same prelates referred to as the Pajero Seven. These bishops supposedly receive grants from the Arroyo administration, including vehicles and projects. Talks of this "new" diocese came up during the controversial moments of the Arroyo administration's turbulent years, such as the Hello Garci controversy and the anomalous $329-Million ZTE Deal.

During these political ordeals, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) reportedly offered cash donations to Catholic bishops ranging from P300,000 to P500,000. Three archbishops--Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, archbishop of Cebu; Angel Lagdameo, and; Paciano Aniceto, archbishop of Pampanga--returned the checks.

Teodoro Bacani, bishop Emeritus of Novaliches, confirmed that the Arroyo administration resorted to corruption to soften the stance of the Catholic bishops, and to "divide and conquer" the Church.

The Pueblos Letter

I will be celebrating my 66th birthday on March 8, 2009. I know this will be a precious day and timely occasion to thank the Lord for giving me another year … After a prayerful discernment and due considerations to the existing crisis phenomenon today, I have decided not to hold a birthday party. Instead, I prefer to make use of my birthday as a day with and for myself, and with God.
“Having (been) declared, awarded and honored from your good office as ‘Peace Champion of Caraga,’ I am grateful to God that He has made me an instrument of His peace, especially here in Mindanao. I know I can do more to promote and work for peace.

It is in this view that I am asking a favor from your Excellency. At present, I really need a brand-new car, possibly a 4 x 4, which I can use to reach the far-flung areas of Caraga. I hope you will never fail to give a brand new car which would serve as your birthday gift to me. For your information, I have with me a 7-year-old car which is not anymore in good running condition. Therefore, this needs to be replaced very soon.

I am anticipating your favorable response on this regard. Thank you very much. Be assured of my constant support and sincerest prayers to your Excellency.

Response from the Prelates

ARCHDIOCESE OF OZAMIS
Fr. Marvin Osmeña, custodian of the archdiocesan property, denied that the bishop received a Mitsubishi Pajero from the Arroyo administration.

ARCHDIOCESE OF BUTUAN
Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos admitted on July 6 (Wednesday) that he sent a letter to former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asking for "a vehicle" that he could use for his community service. The Pajero SUV he received as a birthday gift through PCSO was worth P1.7 million.  

Sources

Ben Serrano: "Butuan bishop admits getting P1.7-million SUV," The Philippine Star 7 July 2011
Kimberly Jane Tan: "Enrile: Give bishops a chance to explain side in PCSO issue," GMA News 5 July 2011.
Ryan Rosauro: "Priests deny Ozamiz archdiocese got Pajero from PCSO," Philippine Daily Inquirer 29 June 2011.
Jocelyn Uy, Maricar Cinco: "Bishop Cruz tells 'Pajero 7': Confess," Philippine Daily Inquirer 29 June 2011.