A popular Roman Catholic bishop denied he sexually harassed his secretary as church leaders cautioned against any rush to judgment pending a Vatican investigation.
``I am deeply sorry for the consequences of any inappropriate expression of affection to my secretary,'' said Bishop Teodoro Bacani, 63. His spokesman denied the gestures constituted sexual harassment.
Press accounts say the secretary, in her mid-30s, alleges that Bacani twice made sexual advances toward her, most recently in March when he tried to hug her.
Bacani said he is ready to leave the diocese ``if necessary for her good'' and would be taking time off ``for rest and prayer.''
Bacani was a popular opponent of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and has been an advocate for the poor.
The nation's leading churchman, Cardinal Jaime Sin, asked the faithful to pray for Bacani and to ``assure our priests that you love them'' and ``will not abandon them.''
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appealed to the public for fairness and to wait for the results of the Vatican investigation ``rather than feasting maliciously on this issue.''