Celebrity tour guide Carlos Celdran was found guilty of “offending religious feelings” based upon the decision made by the Manila Metropolitan Trial Court.
Celdran, who popularized the Intramuros tour guides was one of the most popular guide in the Philippines and has a huge following in social media.
The decision made by Pairing Judge Juan O. Bermejo Jr., stated that the court found Celdran guilty beyond reasonable doubt for violating Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code.
The provision dictates the imposition of a penalty upon anyone “who, in a place devoted to religious worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony shall perform acts, notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful.”
Judge Bermejo ordered Celdran’s imprisonment of two months and 21 days up to one year, one month and 11 days. Although the decision was actually issued on December 14, 2012 but it was released only on Monday, January 28, 2013.
The case started during the year 2010 when Celdran used a placard with the world “Damaso” and held it up in the middle of the m(–foul word(s) removed–) and was supposedly shouting “bakit mahihirap lang pinagbabawalan sa family planning.”
According to the lawyer of Celdran, Atty. Marlon Manuel, they will appeal the decision before the regional trial court or the Supreme Court. The celebrity tour guide Celdran is on temporarily provisional liberty as he posted a total of P6,000 bail when he was charged in 2010.
