Priests in the Diocese of Bacolod attend the last Mass in the Queen of Peace Parish church before it ceases to become a parish. —ANDY ALVAREZ
BACOLOD CITY––While the Catholic Church cannot be partisan, a majority of the priests in the Diocese of Bacolod have expressed support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.
Fr. Armando Onion of the Commission on the Clergy said any official stance on the matter, however, should be approved by their Bishop Patricio Buzon.
“At this point, the bishop is listening to us. The final official position will be made at our recollection in February,” he said in an interview.
The priests of Bacolod, together with Buzon, met Tuesday to discuss the affairs of the Church, politics, and the national situation during a diocesan assembly at the Sacred Heart Seminary in this city.
In a separate interview Tuesday night, Buzon said priests could have their personal choices in the elections as long as they remain non-partisan.
“As citizens, we all have our own choices and nobody can stop us. However, it is very clear that the Church cannot be partisan. All of the candidates are part of our flock and if we are partisan, we divide the flock,” the prelate explained.
“Our role in politics is to guide but not to side with one party. It will defeat the purpose of the Church being the center of unity. The diocese will not endorse a candidate as a Church,” he added.
During the meeting, political analyst Ramon Casiple briefed the clergy about the political situation in the country.
Casiple said early survey results before the campaign period starts do not reflect how people would vote in May.
“Survey results after the campaign period starts will be more reflective of how the vote will go,” Casiple said.
Father Onion said Buzon stressed the importance of the May 9, 2022 elections, saying it is a political exercise between good and evil.
“The candidate who can approximate biblical values should be our choice,” Onion said.
A position paper in support of Robredo signed by 204 lay leaders from 22 parishes, schools, and religious groups in Bacolod was presented during the assembly of priests.
In their position paper, the lay leaders said they were voting for Robredo because her platform was clear on how to address the needs of the poor and the oppressed, the COVID-19 situation, the issue on the West Philippine Sea, concerns about illegal drugs, and other matters.
“Robredo lives a Christian life that is simple and free from corruption, and she is competent and has the experience to lead the country,” the lay groups said.
Fr. Greg Patiño said the clergy are canonically not allowed to endorse a candidate, but there is no corresponding penalty if they do so.
“In a rare situation where morality and Gospel values are at stake, then we can make our own decision,” he said, adding that the “truth is not neutral.”
”If truth and justice are at stake, we have to make a stand. That is the prophetic role of the Church,” he added.