Nothing can prevent a bishop or a priest from getting involved in politics.
This was the pronouncement of Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani of Novaliches amid controversies over conflicting interpretations of the Church’s involvement in politics ahead of the Philippine elections in May.
“Sa totoo lang, hindi rin ipinagbabawal na kumandidato ang isang pinuno ng isang relihiyon para sa isang puwesto ng gobyerno (at) kumampanya para sa kaniyang sarili,” the bishop said over Church-run Radio Veritas 846.
“Ang ating batas ay hindi nagbabawal na kumampanya ang sinumang taong-Simbahan para sa kandidatong gusto nya. ‘Yan ang batas ng ating bansa,” said Bishop Bacani.
He also clarified that the Church as an institution is not endorsing any candidate, although it can do so for the sake of the dignity of the people.
“Kung makikita ng Simbahan na walang matinong kandidato para sa kapakanan ng sambayanan at dignidad ng tao, pwede rin naman na ang Simbahan ay buo na manindigan, pero yun ay ‘exceptional circumstance,’” said the bishop.
“Yun ay kung kinakailangan lamang talaga. Pero normally, hindi kinakailangang gawin ‘yun,” he added.
Over the weekend, Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the public affairs committee of the bishops’ conference, said the clergy cannot be neutral in the face of evil, injustice, and lies.
In the wake of heated political exchanges ahead of this year’s elections, the priest said that “the Church should continue forming consciences for a mature political exercise.”
“To be neither neutral nor partisan, my principle is clear; no to incompetent, unjust and self-serving politicians. No to thieves and liars too!” he said.
“In the battle against evil, injustice, lies, etc., the Church has always been brave in expressing her stand — she is against evil, she is not neutral,” said Father Secillano.
The priest clarified that “being non-partisan is not the same as being neutral.” He said that “being non-partisan” means her loyalty is neither with the candidate nor with any political party.”
“It is with the people. She should always be for the people,” said the priest.
