Prelate to Panlilio: Don’t risk sullying church's name

MANILA, Philippines - Before throwing his hat into the presidential race in 2010, priest turned Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio should think of the risk of "shame" he may bring to the Catholic Church. The advice came Monday from a senior Catholic bishop who said Panlilio already divided the Church hierarchy when he ran for Pampanga governor in 2007. "At halimbawa maging presidente na, kung siya gumawa ng mabuti, mabuti naman. Pero kung gumawa ng masama, nagkamali o anuman, kadamay ang simbahan at kadamay ang kaparian," Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said in an interview on dwIZ radio. [Let's say he becomes President in 2010. If he does well, well and good. But if he screws up in his job, the entire Church will be put to shame] Panlilio is reportedly keen on running for President in 2010, and is eyeing as running mate Isabela Governor Grace Padaca, who gained fame for her crusade against corruption. But Cruz pointed out Panlilio's foray into politics already divided the Catholic Church hierarchy, with some priests backing him and some turning their backs on him. The prelate also warned that Panlilio's entry into politics maybe an insult to young leaders who are qualified to lead but may be denied their chance. Cruz added that he has no problem with Padaca running for higher office in 2010, describing her as among the "matitinong tao (upright people)." - GMANews.TV