Priests in the Diocese of Butuan were dissuaded to ask for solicitations from politicians especially during campaign and election period.

In his pastoral directives on political engagement, Butuan Bishop Cosme Damian Almedilla also reminded priests of the "no endorsement" policy of the diocese.
"All Butuan clergy are strongly enjoined to observe the official no-endorsement policy of the Diocese regarding political candidates in public," he said.
"Notwithstanding our role as pastors, avoid associating too much with politicians even inprivate/personal affairs during election period," added Almedilla.
He said the celebration of mass for politicians or conferral of blessings must be done in the "church, not in their headquarters." The posting of political advertisements/posters or any campaign materials in churches or even within the church compound, Almedilla said, are also discouraged.
"Avoid allowing candidates to use the church as a platform to advance their candidacies," he said.
Almedilla said politicians are not prohibited to pay courtesy call to priests for "spiritual guidance."