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C.Valley’s most outspoken bishop turns 69

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya - Undoubtedly, this region’s most outspoken, and probably most influential Catholic cleric marked his 69th birthday On March 16 , but without the usual fanfare befitting a Presidential visit.

Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena, a high-ranking official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines , celebrated his birthday, which also coincided with Palm Sunday, in the simplest manner, a stark contrast from previous years, wherein these were highlighted by visits of national government officials, political leaders and other influential individuals.

This is the first time in almost 12 years that the President skipped the bishop’s natal day, which she usually graces since she was elected senator up to last year.

However, the President would make up for her absence by visiting this landlocked province on March 24, on invitation of Villena, perceived to be one of the Catholic bishops closest to her.
The President is expected to grace a Church-led humanitarian mission here dedicated to the bishop as part of the celebration of his birthday this year.

According to the Philippine Information Agency here, the President, during her one-day visit here, is also scheduled to inspect the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bagabag airport here and the mountain town of Kayapa , the region’s vegetable bowl.

Ben Moses Ebreo, PIA officer-in-charge here, said that security preparations are now being readied for the post-Holy Week Presidential visit.

A former cochairman of the Bishops-Conference of the Philippines , Villena, whom Mrs. Arroyo appointed as chairman of the Regional Development Council for Cagayan Valley , was believed to be one of those instrumental in the drafting of the influential recent CBCP statement.

The said statement, which came in the wake of graft and corruption controversies haunting the government, was perceived by some sectors to be pro-administration. This, some political observers said, somehow also gave Mrs. Arroyo added boost for her to remain in power amid mounting calls for her to step down.

Villena, whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction covers this province and Quirino, has been a leading antigambling and anti-mining advocate here. Despite his perceived closeness to the President, the bishop said he is always ready to confront Malacanang on certain issues that tend to be anti-poor, anti-environment and anti-people. CCL

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