Cebuanos urged to join rallies vs death penalty Feb. 18

ARCHBISHOP Jose Palma
FILE PHOTO

CEBU CITY — Pro-life advocates called on Cebuanos to join the “Walk for Life” on February 18 to voice out their opposition to the revival of the death penalty and the spate of drug-related killings in the
country.

“The time for us to speak up and unify has come. If you believe in the sacredness of life and God being the author of life, then join us,” said Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, vice president for the Visayas of the Catholic laity group Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has encouraged seminarians, priests, and lay people in Cebu to join the prayer walk which will start with a program at 4 p.m. at the Plaza Sugbo grounds infront of the Cebu city hall.

Bullecer said  at least 1,000 people would join the event—the first of  a series of activities to denounce anti-life laws and policies of government.

Among those expected to give their statements during the event are Rep. Raul del Mar of Cebu City’s north district, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, Fe Barino of the Archdiocesan Service Committee, Carmelita Seno of the Council of the Laity, Sister Maria Luisa Javier and Archbishop Palma.

A ceremonial burning of the copy of the death penalty bill will also be held during the event to be followed by the lighting of candles and a walk to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.

Bullecer has expressed hope all 10 district representatives in Cebu will vote against the reimposition of the death penalty.

The Church is against the death penalty which “punishes just the poor, condemns the innocent to die, does not stop crimes and is cruel and against God’s law, as well.”

“The Church always stands for up for life. We’re not imposing our religion here but we only speak the truth. When you kill a person, it is not his or her life which you claim but that of God,” said Fr. Eligio Suico, chairman of the Cebu archdiocesan commission on family and life.

On the same day, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) will lead laity groups in a Walk for Life rally at the Quirino Grandstand from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.  SFM/rga