Prominent legal scholar and priest, Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, has raised concerns over what he describes as an unfair portrayal of Philippine bishops and priests by BishopAccountability.org.
The U.S.-based research group recently released a database detailing allegations of child sexual abuse against Catholic clergy linked to the Philippines.
Fr. Aquino, Dean of the Graduate School of Law, San Beda University, and a professor at the Philippine Judicial Academy, criticized the group’s approach, arguing that it unfairly portrays the entire clergy in a negative light while disregarding due process and the principles of justice.
“The circulated attack of the BishopAccountability group… is unfair to the bishops and to the priests of the Philippines,” he said, referring to the online database that has sparked renewed scrutiny over clergy abuse allegations in the country.

Aquino strongly refuted claims that bishops are concealing wrongdoings, asserting that their reluctance to publicly disclose every action taken against accused priests is a measure of protection rather than a cover-up.
“It is not true that bishops conceal wrongdoing. They merely do not publicize their actions—whether administrative acts or penal sanctions following a canonical judicial process. And this is for two reasons: first, for the protection of the victim who may not want her (or his) name on television, radio, or social media; second, for the protection of the reputation of the priest—who may eventually be exonerated of all charges,” Aquino explained.
His statement aligned with the recent clarifications made by Archbishop José Palma of Cebu and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, both of whom reaffirmed their commitment to due process in handling abuse cases.
Palma, in particular, underscored that priests who had undergone the required legal and canonical processes had been determined fit to return to ministry under supervision.
Aquino also warned against the dangerous assumption that accusations equate to guilt, a narrative that he believes BishopAccountability.org and some media outlets are pushing.
“To hold accountable is not necessarily to convict. If that were so, then every accusation would be presumed to be true—a position contrary to all the dictates of procedural fairness that one who is accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
His remarks reflected the stance of Bishop Alminaza, who reiterated in his statement that the Diocese of San Carlos is fully cooperating with civil authorities while ensuring that due process is followed.
The bishop acknowledged the need for vigilance but cautioned against rushing to judgment.
Addressing the argument that priests rarely face convictions in court, Aquino noted that this is not due to institutional protection but rather the strict legal standards required for conviction.
“If the courts of the Republic have hardly convicted any priest, it is because the Constitution has exacting standards for conviction: proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and this holds true for all who are charged with a crime. If courts acquit or dismiss cases against priests, then it is because the courts find that the evidence adduced does not measure up to the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt,” he said.
A key part of Aquino’s critique focused on the media’s role in shaping public perception. He warned that allowing media to investigate clergy abuse cases—beyond their journalistic mandate—could lead to unfair trials by publicity.
Fr. Aquino also pushed back against the notion that accountability must always be public.
“The group demands ‘public accountability’ and says that accountability that is not public is not accountability at all. What it wishes is sensationalism—the opportunity to wreck the credibility of the clergy and of the Church. There is accountability when a person who is charged with an offense is held accountable—whether it is publicized or not,” he argued.
Earlier, Archbishop Palma said that the Church is undergoing a period of “purification” and must move beyond the notion that accountability is solely the responsibility of the hierarchy.
Instead, the prelate called for a “new paradigm” in addressing clergy abuse, one that is rooted in truth and justice rather than public spectacle.
Fr. Aquino highlighted the reality that not all accusations are truthful, stating that many cases have been dismissed due to lack of evidence or outright fabrication.
“What the group fails to mention is that so many charges against priests that were sensationalized and that were made headlines have been dismissed, showing that many allegations are fabricated and unfounded and merely meant to ruin the reputation of the Catholic Church,” he said.
While clergy abuse remains a grave concern, the bishops and Aquino agree that justice must be served through fair and legal processes and that both the Church and the government must work to protect the welfare of the victims.