Why offer the money to the bishops?

Headline from Inquirer: CBCP told to beware of Arroyo gifts.
Sagot naman ng Malacanang: There is nothing wrong with donations to Catholic Bishops.

Haaaaaa????????

Explanation ni Mike Defensor: No bishop was bought or bribed or was given personal favor. Whatever help was offered, was for the people, to alleviate poverty and to solve the problems that they are facing in their respective areas.

Assuming, arguendo, that it is true:

1. Why offer the money to the bishops? In the very first place, the government is facing budgetary deficits. So why offer money to the bishops?
2. Why offer the money to the bishops? Poverty alleviation and problem solving at the grassroots is the duty of the government and its extension agencies.
3. Why offer money to the bishops? Are the bishops the extension of the government?
4. Why offer money to the bishops? How can the people know huch much is spent to what?
5. Why offer money to the bishops? Now that the bishops are starting to talk against Arroyo?