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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Church members who wish to be elected as public officials should file a leave of absence — Bishop Villarojo

Church members who wish to be elected as public officials should file a leave of absence — Bishop Villarojo

Published Aug 27, 2023 01:33 pm

For the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, all officers and members of any church organization must file a leave of absence if they intend to run for any position, said Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo.

 

Bishop Dennis Villarojo.jpg
(Bishop Dennis Villarojo/Photo credit to CBCP)

“All incumbent officers and members of different church organizations who wish to be elected as public officials should file a leave of absence addressed to their respective parish priests,” Villarojo said in a statement from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Aug. 26.

The bishop provided guidelines on Aug. 10 for this year's election on Oct. 30.

He stressed that if they fail to do so, “they will be automatically resigned from their posts effective upon their filing of the certificate of candidacy.” 

While the church promotes and values lay involvement in politics, Bishop Villarojo pointed out the “potential for confusion” may happen when exercising dual roles within the church and public service.

“In this regard, we wish to guard our faithful against possible accusations of using the church for partisan exercise,” he explained.

The bishop said that individuals who lose in the election may resume their service in the Church, however, this is still subject to the approval of the parish priest.

CBCP added that the diocese also discouraged the use of any church facilities and affiliations during the campaign, including wearing church organization shirts.

“We hope that our brothers and sisters who seek to be elected as public officials will bring with them the values of Christ in this wonderful venture, prioritizing the common good, justice, and peace, with a love of preference for the poor and in the spirit of Christian service,” Villarojo added.

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BISHOP DENNIS VILLAROJO CBCP
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