Individual bishops, David said, have authority over the accused priests. Barrett Doyle also urged the government to prosecute the alleged offenders, saying none of those accused have been convicted for wrongdoing. The justice ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on a public holiday in Manila.
Catholic institutions have significant cultural and social influence in the Philippines beyond parishes, including schools, hospitals, charities, and politics.
For decades, sex abuse scandals have shaken the Catholic Church across the world. Paedophile priests and efforts to cover up their crimes have damaged its credibility and cost hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements.
A Vatican child protection commission said in a report last year that the Church must do a better job of handling compensation for victims of clergy abuse, including a broader spectrum of actions that include acknowledging mistakes and public apologies. Critics have also said the Church must do more. Priests in Philippines accused of sex abuse remain in active ministry, US-based group says.
The group said its first report involving the Philippines was far from exhaustive. Residents near Japan sinkhole urged to evacuate. LKIM seeks to increase deep-sea fishing vessels. Fewer flood victims in Sabah, Sarawak.
