Three priests running in May 2022 polls

At least three Catholic priests are running for a local post in the May 2022 polls.

Church-run Radio Veritas identified them as Fr. Granwell Pitapit of the Diocese of Libmanan, Fr. Emmanuel Alparce of the Diocese of Sorsogon, and Fr. Emerson Luego of the Diocese of Tagum.

Veritas said Pitapit is running for mayor in Libmanan, Camarines Sur; Alparce is running as councilor of Bacacay, Albay; while Luego is running as mayor in Davao De Oro.

Retired Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani Jr. said under Church law priests are not allowed to run in the elections or accepting an office that includes the exercise of civil power.

He was referring to Canon Law 285 which states that "Clerics are forbidden to assume public offices which entail a participation in the exercise of civil power."

"There are extreme cases where a priest can run for office but it must have the permission of his bishop," said Bacani.

Catholic priests seeking government elective posts are not new in Philippine politics and a CBCP News post cited the different attempts of priests to be in public office.

Take for example Fr. Eddie Panlilio, who was suspended from his priestly duties when he ran and won as governor of Pampanga in 2007.

The priest-turned politician failed to finish his term because he was removed from his post in February 2010 following a recount of votes due to an election protest.

Another is Fr. Ronilo Omanio, who also ran for governor in Occidental Mindoro in 2007 but was defeated.

The two again ran for the same post in the 2010 polls but lost again.

During the 2013 polls, Panlilio and Fr. Leo Casas ran for governor of Pampanga and Masbate respectively, but failed in their bid.

The filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) for next year's polls was held from Oct. 1 to 8.