Tagbilaran bishop to public: Don’t spread fake news, misinformation

FILE PHOTO: Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran urges the faithful to stop spreading fake news and to stand up for the truth. During his homily during the first Misa de Gallo (dawn mass) at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine in Tagbilaran City on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, the prelate said: “Our problem now is that we don’t know what the truth is because of the amount of fake news and misinformation. What is the challenge for us? Be careful. Let’s not forward and share fake news.” INQUIRER FILES

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran has urged the faithful to stop spreading fake news and to stand up for the truth.

“Our problem now is that we don’t know what the truth is because of the amount of fake news and misinformation. What is the challenge for us? Be careful. Let’s not forward and share fake news,” he said in his homily during the first Misa de Gallo (dawn mass) at the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine in Tagbilaran City on Monday, Dec. 16.

“In today’s social media, if you speak and stand up to the truth, you will be opposed by many. Are you ready or brave enough to witness the truth?,” he added.

The prelate, who is a staunch advocate of environmental conservation and climate action, has been vocal against reclamation projects that would cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystem and destroy the livelihood of coastal communities.

READ: Devotees flock to Tagbilaran Cathedral to celebrate God’s feast

Uy said the tradition of Misa de Gallo, a series of nine masses leading up to Christmas, is proudly Filipino, a privilege given by the Vatican.

On the first Misa de Gallo, Boholano Catholics filled the churches in the predominantly Catholic province.

At the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral-Shrine, commonly known as Tagbilaran Cathedral, parishioners noticed its transformation with the newly enhanced lighting which was inaugurated on Sunday night before the start of the dawn Masses.

The ceremonial inauguration of the newly lighted cathedral-shrine was attended by Gov. Aris Aumentado and Roel Castro, president of Primelectric.

READ: Fighting fake news in the media

The diocesan shrine is adorned with Christmas decorations and glowing lights, creating a warm and festive atmosphere sponsored by Bohol Light and Mergers Drugfil Corp.

Msgr. Efren Bongay, parish priest, said the transformation was part of the cultural heritage preservation.

“It will strengthen the faith of the people. Through lighting, the cultural heritage of the church will be preserved. With that preservation, the physical church can be deepened and appreciated which is a reflection of the true church which is the people,” he said.