Sin Cites Prostitution, Satanism : Prelate Faults Aquino on Morals in Schools

Cardinal Jaime Sin, the archbishop of Manila, lashed out Friday against prostitution, gambling casinos, lotteries and Satanism in Philippine high schools, charging that the devout President Corazon Aquino has failed to create “a new moral order” in the 16 months since she came to power.

The Roman Catholic prelate announced that church investigators are documenting the rise of Satanic cults and human sacrifice in the schools. He said he may intervene personally to close the country’s government-operated casinos.

Sin’s comments, made at a breakfast press conference, represented a radical departure for the cardinal. He was one of the harshest critics of President Ferdinand E. Marcos before Marcos was deposed last year, but he had vowed to maintain a lower profile under President Aquino.

He said it has become necessary to speak out because the Philippine people, 85% of whom are Roman Catholic, are immature and irresponsible and becoming increasingly immoral.

‘Like Fathers Guiding Kids’

“We are like fathers guiding the small kids, teaching them how to walk,” he said of himself and his fellow priests. “I have to say something because my children will fall down if I keep quiet. I have a responsibility to train our people. . . . One day, when our people are responsible, then I will keep quiet.”

On the subject of Satanism, Sin confirmed reports by the government’s Department of Education of an influx of Satan-worshiping gangs in Manila’s public and private schools.

Sin said that teen-agers wearing emblems and decals identifying them as members of “The Abnormals,” “Hardcores” and “Exploited” have engaged in rituals that include human sacrifice and devil worship.

“When you are already worshiping Satan--and the maximum stage is when you are already offering babies to Satan, and they are being slain--that is not legal,” he said. “And it is happening here.”

Government-Backed Casinos

Sin condemned the proliferation of legal gambling casinos in the country, which are operated and controlled by a government commission appointed by President Aquino.

Not only has the number of casinos increased under Aquino, but the gambling business has been booming with the help of an aggressive marketing campaign.

Aquino, who is deeply religious and takes refuge in convents to pray during crises, has said she is personally opposed to the casinos but permits them because her government cannot afford to lose the revenue they produce.

Still, at a press conference last year, Aquino promised to try to shut down the casinos before the end of 1986.

‘It Is Deplorable’

Sin said: “It is deplorable, especially when this government is supposed to be establishing a new moral order. The national sweepstakes as well as the casinos should be abolished. Maybe I will do something after the local elections (in November).”

He was asked whether the rise of prostitution in the Philippines is tolerable in light of the high rate of unemployment, and he replied: “The end does not justify the means. You look for other employment, another way to work. You are not allowed to get money by prostitution.”

The cardinal also told the reporters that he thinks the legislative elections that were held in May were “the cleanest in the history of the Philippines.”

He said he had called the press together to announce the Philippines’ participation in tonight’s live telecast of Pope John Paul II’s “Prayer for World Peace.”

A giant television screen will be set up in the 400-year-old Manila Cathedral, with another outside, and President Aquino will be present.