A Filipino archbishop has posted bail after a Manila court issued a warrant for his arrest. Archbishop Oscar Cruz of Lingayen Dagupan paid the bail of 10,000 Philippine pesos-- about $250-- that had been set by the court, allowing the prelate to remain at liberty while he awaits trial on a libel charge.
The complaint against the archbishop was brought by 20 government workers who say that he defamed them when he said that they had acted as "guest-relations officers" at a party for José Miguel Arroyo, the husband of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
The same charges were dismissed in September 2004.
The government decided to re-open the case this week.
Archbishop Cruz, who has complained frequently about political corruption, believes that the case against him has been revived in retaliation for his public criticism of the government.
He admitted to reporters that he is worried about the outcome of his trial because the government appears determined to punish him. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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