Catholic bishops are divided on the issue of Charter-change (Cha-cha), according to a former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said while the bishops are united in faith and moral issues, they are divided on Cha-cha because of their different perceptions on certain politicians.

“In faith and morals, we stand together, but when it comes to politicians, not politics per se, yes, we might differ in our perception and that’s part of prudence and conviction which are already somehow personal,” he told reporters in an interview.

“For example, I might see this politician as a crook and for another fellow he might see this politician as a benign benefactor and that’s also acceptable. That’s also part of democratic choices,” added Cruz.

But while the bishops are divided on Cha-cha, Cruz said a majority of them are definitely against it.

“Most of the bishops are silent, but if they will speak out their mind I think they will follow the other bishops who speak their mind out,” he said.

The Lingayen-Dagupan prelate said if ever there are bishops who may have a different view of Cha-cha, these are just a minority.

“These bishops are few and far in between and usually they are not as vocal as the more active bishops. They are by and large quiet and if they talk, that is their right also, but I don’t think they make an impact,” he said.

Cruz, however, refused to divulge the names of the “minority” bishops except that they are known to be pro-administration.

“These are the bishops who favor the administration,” he said.

The former CBCP head then reiterated the position of the CBCP on Cha-cha, which is supported by the majority of the bishops.

“If we want a Cha-cha, it can be done, why not, because the fundamental law is not perfect. But if we want Cha-cha, it should be through Constitutional Convention and it should be after 2010. That is the official stand of the CBCP,” said Cruz.