Church Suspended a Priest Running for Mayor in Camarines Sur
A church in Camarines Sur has ordered suspension against a priest who will run as a mayor for the 2022 election in his town.
A priest in the Bicol region has allegedly been barred from performing his priestly duties due to his involvement in politics. Church law prohibits priests from participating in politics, according to Bishop Jose R. Rojas Jr. of Libmanan, Camarines Sur.
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Fr. Granwell Pitapit, a priest for 20 years, retired on October 8. Bernard Brioso, the incumbent mayor, will be his opponent. According to Bishop Rojas’ circular, such suspension is considered irreversible, barring him from returning to the priestly ministry permanently.
Although the priest is free to engage in secular or non-church activities, the suspension does not invalidate some of his priestly vows, such as celibacy or having a wife. In the meantime, two other priests will compete in the political race, in addition to Fr. Pitapit.
Fr. Emerson Luego of the Diocese of Tagum, who will run for mayor of Mabini, Davao de Oro, is one of them. In Albay province, Fr. Emmanuel Alparce will also run for Bacacay town councilor. Fr. Alparce is a native of Tabaco City and is currently assigned to the Diocese of Sorsogon.
Several personalities have reportedly filed for government positions since the commencement of the certificate of candidacy (COC) filing period. Even showbiz figures have expressed an interest in serving the country. Others are just ordinary Filipinos who are hoping to get elected in the 2022 election.
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