Caught in the crossfire

Sympathizers of the late Cebu Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez especially his staff and field workers will be unhappy with how provincial Board Member and newly installed Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale is rearranging things in her office. I’m not talking about the furniture and decoration in Magpale’s new workplace but the programs and office organization that Sanchez had set up in more than seven years as vice governor.

Magpale announced the dissolution of district deputies and the shutdown of the legislative department’s newsletter, The Gavel. She is also poised to conduct a performance audit of some 62 office employees appointed by her late predecessor.

Even minus an explanation, legislative workers affected by the demise of Sanchez understand that the new office holder has the prerogative of bringing in her own people. In other words, Sanchez’s allies are somehow prepared to accept the reality that their boss who enabled them to secure employment in Capitol is no longer around to defend them. The task of giving non-performing employees the boot will be tough for Vice Gov. Magpale, but she has a decision to make.

I heard that some legislative employees were scarce during the wake of Sanchez for fear they will invite backlash if they show sympathy to the family of the late vice governor. The conflict between Sanchez and Gov. Gwen Garcia had become so deep that Capitol employees are scared of getting caught in the crossfire.

However, I’m glad to hear Magpale intends to continue the medical missions organized by the late vice governor. I hope she will consider hiring old hands because they are already familiar with the project. Magpale is known to be a level headed person. Many expect her to make adjustments and not allow petty and partisan politics to rule her decision.

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The heat coming out of the debate over the Reproductive Health bill had some people asking if opponents of the measure are of one mind and heart in going against the controversial proposal.

Last Friday, pro-life advocates held a caravan and stopped by churches and government offices in the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Talisay to meet with high ranking officials. Led by Dr. Rene Bullecer, the group had a dialogue with local representatives who expressed support for anti-RH programs.

Other than the promise to distribute pro-life stickers and display anti RH tarpaulins in government offices, local officials did not specify what kind of pro-life programs will be pursued. Apparently, minus budgetary support from a national government that pushes for the passage of the RH bill, there is not much they can do.

The lay initiative did not sit well with Msgr. Achilles Dakay, media liaison of the Cebu archdiocese who said that the pro-life motorcade was unnecessary. He pointed out the RH bill can be discussed during the Mass.

I’m not sure if the good monsignor was quoted correctly because the Church has always encouraged lay persons to participate actively in the mission of Jesus Christ. In that sense, a priest should be the first person to play up the work of lay groups, even if sometimes, if not oftentimes, their efforts are lacking in substance.

Monsignor Dakay must have meant that after pro-lifers came up with a show of force during a prayer rally held a few days after the assumption of the new Archbishop of Cebu, Jose Palma, it’s time to change gears and look for more innovative ways of putting the pro-life message across.

Caravans and protest actions mobilize communities and heighten the awareness of people, but the strategy becomes effective only if there’s a popular person leading it. In the anti-RH drive, the message is very important. I don’t want to disparage the messengers of last Friday’s caravan, but surely there are other strategies that could tweak the interest of, say, the Internet savvy young set.

On the other hand, was Monsignor Dakay serious when he suggested that priests and laity discuss the RH bill during a Mass? I don’t know if church goers will welcome this idea because a divisive issue like the RH bill will only distract them from the Eucharistic celebration. Besides, people go to Mass to listen to and reflect on sacred Scriptures and receive Holy Communion. Making them participate in discussions during the Mass is putting a lot on their plate.

I have written a number of articles against the RH bill because aside from promoting a culture that goes against our own, it is, first and foremost, against the law of God. This is not to sow intrigue but the incident seemed to suggest that all is not well between the two pillars of the Church.

The challenge for Archbishop Palma is to harmonize all sectors to make a united and coherent stand against the RH bill. This can be tricky but the brouhaha over last week’s lay activity should instruct him to carefully navigate the different power centers of the archdiocese.