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An international database listing clergy accused or convicted of child sexual abuse has expanded to include the Philippines. This development has prompted a strong reaction from the Philippine bishops' conference, which stresses the importance of accountability within the church.
The new Philippine section of BishopAccountability.org names 82 priests and bishops who have faced allegations in either the Philippines or the United States. The information is compiled from media reports, court documents, and statements from dioceses and religious orders.
Anne Barrett Doyle, director of BishopAccountability, highlighted that none of these clergy members with substantiated allegations have been convicted. At a conference hosted by Ending Clergy Abuse in Quezon City, she stated, "The victims here are powerless."
Doyle criticized the local church's self-policing over the past 21 years as "lacking" and said it is "profoundly incapable of doing a good job of protecting children unless they’re under scrutiny."
Cardinal Pablo David of Kalookan responded to this launch by emphasizing Pope Francis's directive for bishops to ensure all church institutions are safe spaces for minors and vulnerable adults. He warned that failure to discipline erring priests could result in disciplinary action against bishops themselves.
"We welcome initiatives intended to hold people in whatever form of authority accountable, including the Church," Cardinal David said on January 31. He acknowledged that lack of accountability undermines moral and spiritual authority.
Doyle also noted that there is no external mechanism enforcing accountability on the Philippine church. She mentioned that victims often feel powerless due to strong libel laws making it risky to publicly accuse clerics.
Cardinal David admitted past failures in maintaining checks and balances within the church but called upon laity and journalists as allies in truth-seeking efforts.
Columban Father Shay Cullen praised Cardinal David's message advocating for civil authorities' involvement alongside church authorities when dealing with abusive clerics. Father Cullen leads PREDA, an organization focused on helping abused children in the Philippines.
"The database...is just telling the truth," Father Cullen remarked. He believes it challenges bishops by presenting factual records.
Father Cullen shared his experiences dealing with difficult domestic clergy abuse cases where attempts were made to persuade victims' families not to pursue charges through bribes like college education offers.
He recognized Cardinal David’s role as one who opposed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign but warned about potential backlash against such advocacy efforts.
Father Cullen emphasized perseverance through faith when facing resistance: “When it comes to human dignity...opposing evil...that is faith." His belief has sustained him throughout decades-long work advocating justice for child exploitation victims worldwide since removing American military bases from Subic Bay naval base helped curb rampant sex trafficking activities during U.S occupation periods there until 1991 .
Simone Orendain contributed reporting from Chicago
