Catholic bishops have been persuaded by political realities to take back an earlier demand for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to face impeachment by Congress.
A relentless charm offensive personally conducted by Mrs Arroyo may also have softened up the prelates.
As Bishop Martin Jumoad, whose views were shared by the majority of prelates, explained: 'I will not support [impeachment] because there is no alternative to Gloria Arroyo at this time. We do not want a junta or a [transitional] council of elders' to replace her.
Bishop Jumoad said he and dozens of other bishops were invited to a dinner last week, hosted by Mrs Arroyo at the Ilustrado, a fine-dining restaurant in Manila.
'We had a meeting with the president and we were told to air our concerns. Every bishop has a special concern,' he said.
Bishop Jumoad complained to Mrs Arroyo that state teachers were not being paid in the southern Philippines. She promised prompt action. She also promised to throw out proposed legislation on divorce, same-sex marriage and population control.
