Palma: Pulpit can’t be used against pro-RH lawmakers

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who just arrived from Vietnam, expressed sadness the Reproductive Health bill was approved, but said he would not allow the pulpit to be used in the campaign against the law’s supporters.

“I feel sad because some people and many of the legislators have the belief that anything they legislate is for the good of the country.” Palma said.
After the passage of the RH bill, he said what he feared is starting to happen.

“Now, they are talking of divorce bill. “What’s next? Same sex marriages, abortion, etc? Palma added.

But as Archbishop of Cebu, Palma said he would not allow priests and other church officials to use the pulpit to campaign against the pro-RH bill legislators.

Palma said the Holy Father would not allow them to use the pulpit to campaign for or against anyone during the election.

“If you ask me, do you think the bishops could do that? My answer is ‘No.’ We will never come out with names in the sense of initiating campaign in the election,” he added.

But Palma explained that if the lay people will do that, then they can do it.

Palma said the church can hold reflection seminars before the election.

It will also lead prayers that the people will select candidates who can bring good, as well as for peaceful election.

In general, however, Palma said, morality issues can be tackled at the pulpit because that’s their job to teach the people on what is moral and what is not.

Nevertheless, Palma said he wanted the people to speak up on what they think about the passage of the bill.

“It’s the people that will be affected by the RH policy, so they should speak up,” Palma said.

Palma said the people should be asked “Are you convinced that this is for the good of the country.”

Meanwhile, Palma said the CBCP has yet to meet to come up with an official statement on the RH bill’s approval.