Prelate slams Catarman rally organizers for Marcoleta appearance
TACLOBAN CITY – Diocese of Catarman Vicar General Monsignor Gaspar Balerite reprimanded the organizers of a supposed voters’ education rally at Sacred Heart Plaza in Catarman, Northern Samar on Tuesday for inviting senatorial candidate Rodante Marcoleta who spoke during the event.

MARCOLETA (Gaspar Balerite FB)
Balerite later found out that the rally was organized to support former President Rodrigo Duterte who was arrested for alleged crimes against humanity during his war on drugs.
“We, Nortehanons, were fooled by the pro-Duterte. Someone asked permission for a rally at the Sacred Heart Plaza for peaceful and responsible voting but many people were brought from the barrio for Marcoleta’s campaign who was invited by the organizers,” he said on social media.
Balerite said that Marcoleta’s name was posted on a LED wall which signifies that he was not merely invited also but a well-funded campaign.
“The organizer used a sacred place where masses are celebrated for a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo ni Manalo who passed a law prohibiting crucifix in hospitals,” he added.
Organizers have yet to issue a statement on Balerite’s comments.