CBCP exec balks at ‘illogical’ 10-person capacity for religious gatherings

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo on Thursday said the government-imposed 10-person capacity for religious gatherings under the general community quarantine (GCQ) seems “illogical” as more restaurants and other establishments are allowed to operate in larger capacities.

“Sampung tao lang. Hindi ba? Parang hindi logical,” he told ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo.

(Only 10 persons are allowed. It seems illogical.)

Pabillo pointed out that most churches are even larger than restaurants and other business establishments.

“Sana lang hinihiling namin na kung bibigyan nila ang mga business enterprises ng mas maraming kapasidad, dapat ang simbahan ay ganun din. Parang hindi naman tama na kung bibigyan mo ng 30 percent ang restaurant tapos sa simbahan, 10 tao lang.” he added.

(If they will allow business establishments to operate at a larger capacity, we request that they do the same to churches. It seems not right to allow restaurants to operate at 30 percent capacity but let churches have only 10 attendees.)

The Church official also noted that customers in restaurants do not wear face masks as they went there to eat, but attendees of church services wear face masks at all times.

Metro Manila, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, and Bulacan on Wednesday transitioned to the “stricter” GCQ from the modified enhanced community quarantine as the coronavirus disease pandemic persists.

Under the present GQQ, mass gatherings including religious services must be limited for 10 persons only. In July, the government allowed religious gatherings of up to 10 percent of the venues’ capacity in GCQ areas.

“‘Yan ang problema namin, pabago-bago sila,” said Pabillo, but assured that the Catholic Church will abide by the rules set by the government.

(The problem is they always change decisions.)

EDV