Politicos welcome to attend Sto. Niño feast, Palma says

EVEN if it’s largely a religious event, politicians are welcome to join the feast of the Sto. Niño, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said yesterday.

Palma told reporters that some of these politicians who are running in this year’s elections are devotees of the Sto. Niño.

“I know that many politicians have devotions for the Sto. Nino, you are most welcome,” he said.

“Come and enjoy the devotion to the Sto. Niño. We know that when they come, it’s not campaigning right? It’s praising so that they will be guided,” he added. The election period started yesterday.

Palma said he’s praying that the politicians attending the feast of the Sto. Niño will sincerely give glory to God and thank the Lord “for the gift of the Sto. Nino”.

“Let this be also a way of prayer that every desire to enter into politics should  always be guided and always be inspired by the desire to serve the people in justice, truth and love,” he said.

The 120-day election period also prohibits the transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service as well as the suspension of elective officials.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman Sixto Brillantes said “they can hire, promote but cannot do a reshuffle” unless they seek permission from them.

Other prohibited acts during the election period include the use of security personnel or bodyguards by candidates, unless authorized in writing by the Comelec, and organization or maintenance of reaction forces, strike forces, or other similar forces.

Also in effect during the period is the nationwide gun ban.

The Comelec also announced that the campaign period for candidates for senators and party-list groups starts in Feb. 12 to May 11, 2013.

Candidates for Congress and elective regional, provincial, city, and municipal officials starts from March 29, 2013 to May 11, 2013.

The Comelec said the gun ban covers everyone, except for institutions identified earlier by the poll agency. Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus