CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma reminded parish priests to remain neutral and non-partisan in the coming elections.
“(Priests) are discouraged from joining (political) rallies. Kung atong tan-awon, dili man jud na siya angay (If we look at it, it’s not right),” Palma told reporters after the New Year’s Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
Palma said the guidelines for priests were issued by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
“Kung magpa-misa lang, misahan lang (If the priest is asked to officiate a Mass, then just officiate the Mass). What you do to one, you also do it to all,” Palma said.
He said these Masses requested by politicians should only be held at churches.
“Just don’t give any impression that you support one party. Also discourage supporting one party,” he said.
Last year, the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) camp drew flak from the public after they launched their lineup for this year’s elections after a Mass held at the San Pedro Calungsod chapel at the South Road Properties (SRP).
Former mayor and congressman Tomas Osmeña, who’s running for mayor against suspended Mayor Michael Rama, apologized for the incident.