Palace: Don’t use papal visit for publicity

A photo of Pope Francis stands in front of a Philippine national flag as preparations for his visit continue at Manila’s Rizal park, Philippines, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015. AP

MANILA, Philippines–Politicians and companies seeking media mileage or publicity should steer clear of the upcoming papal events.

Malacañang believes that elected officials and businesses should let Pope Francis get all the attention when he visits the country from January 15 to 19.

“Mainam po na sa pagdalaw ng Santo Papa ang pangunahing pokus, ang sentral na atensyon ay matutuon mismo sa mahal na Santo Papa (During the Holy Father’s visit, it would be proper that the primary focus, the central attention would be on him),” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a briefing.

“At yung iba naghahangad na maging prominente din ang pagkakilala sa kanila, mas mainam siguro na pumili sila ng ibang okasyon (And those who are seeking prominence or acknowledgement should choose another occasion),” Coloma said.

Last week, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that some lawmakers already promised to avoid the events of Pope Francis for fear of being called “epal” or attention-seeker.

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle also asked officials not to use the visit to bolster their electoral ambitions. He warned against the use of banners bearing the politicians’ names to welcome the Pope.

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