A senior church leader in the Philippines warned members of the clergy not to run for elected office in the 2016 national elections.
“Priests should serve the church. There is a way of serving the people as a priest,” said retired Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales of Manila.
“Church law prohibits it,” said Cardinal Rosales, as the country’s Commission on Elections opened the filing of certificates of candidacy on Oct. 12.
The prelate said church law states that priests are not allowed to run in elections or accept an office that includes the exercise of civil power.
Other church leaders expressed confidence that none of their priests are joining politics.
“Not one of my priests is foolish enough to enter politics,” said Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon.
“Not one is interested in running. They know that it is not allowed,” said Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez of Marbel, adding that priests should instead encourage lay leaders to run for election.
“Priests only guide and enlighten people regarding politics,” said Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of Jaro.
“No priest in my archdiocese desires to demote oneself from priest to politician,” said Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa, adding that his priests “are happy to be the moral force to support and guide godly would-be leaders or condemn diabolical politicians.”
Bishop Honesto Ongtioco of Cubao said the prohibition preventing priests from becoming politicians is clear to his priests.
“There is a clear mandate that they are not to enter politics because the church is nonpartisan in its mission,” he said.
In the past, several Catholic priests have sought and won governments posts.
Father Eddie Panlilio was suspended from priestly duties when he ran and won as governor of Pampanga province in 2007. Panlilio failed to finish his term after he was removed from the post in February 2010 following an election protest.
In 2013, Father Panlilio again ran for governor but lost.
Father Leo Casas ran for governor of Masbate in 2013, but also lost.
Father Ronilo Omanio ran for governor of Occidental Mindoro province but lost in 2007.
Father Diosdado Tabios failed in his gubernatorial bid in Bukidnon province as well as Father Emerson Luego who ran for mayor in Davao del Norte province.
The country’s Catholic bishops, meanwhile, urged candidates to think of the poor when they run for elective positions.
“Those vying for elective positions must be reminded not of the perks and grandeur they can possibly acquire but of the poor pinning their hopes and future on them,” said Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the bishops’ public affairs committee.
