Robredo says Catholic Church won't allow itself to be used by politicians

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite/TABUK, Kalinga — Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday defended herself after the camp of a rival presidential candidate questioned her meeting with religious leaders.

"Insulto naman iyon sa Simbahan. Ang Simbahan hindi nagpapagamit [That's an insult to the Church. The Church won't allow itself to be used like that]," Robredo, the opposition's standard bearer in Eleksyon 2022, told reporters covering her campaign in Dasmariñas.

Robredo was reacting to the statement from Lito Banayo, campaign manager of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who is also running for president in the May 9 elections, questioning her meeting with Church leaders supportive of her presidential bid.

"Ang Simbahan, mas matatag na institusyon ito sa aming mga pulitiko. Hindi sila magpapagamit dahil lang sa inclination nila sa pulitiko. Ang assessment ko, kaya sila mas active ngayon kasi alam nila what is at stake," Robredo said.

(The Church is more established than politicians. They won't let themselves be used just because they are inclined to support a politician. I think they are more active now in politics because they know what is at stake.)

Robredo said standing up for what they believe is right for the country is not a bad thing.

"Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagkampi sa pulitika pero iyong moralidad ng ating bansa ang nakataya rito. Kaya sila tumatayo dahil roon," she said.

(This is not about a politician but the moral fiber of our nation that is at stake. That is why they are making a stand here.)

Compromised

In a press conference Thursday, Banayo said they do not want the church leaders to be "compromised," noting that no less than Pope Francis has urged the Church to refrain from getting involved in politics.

"Ayaw namin makompromismo ang mga obispo. Ayaw namin makompromismo ang mga kaparian dahil malinaw na malinaw ang tagubilin ng Santo Papa, Papa Francisco, na huwag makialam ang Simbahang Katoliko sa politika," he said.

(We do not want bishops and the clergy to be compromised because the instruction of Pope Francis is very clear that the Catholic Church should not get involved in politics.)

"They can preach moral values but to use the church itself as a focal point for a rally eh mukhang hindi naman yata kaaya-aya na 'yun nakita natin sa telebisyon noong isang gabi na mismong mga leaflets mga kung anu-anong pink etcetera propaganda materials na iwinawagayway sa harap mismo ng altar,” he added.

(They can preach moral values, but to use the church itself as a focal point for a rally, that is not appropriate. Like for instance in the television last night, we saw pink leaflets and propaganda materials were being waved right in front of the altar.)

Banayo, however, noted that it is the candidates' right to seek support from religious groups.

Offended

For his part, Moreno it was “abnormal” for the inside of churches to become a rally area. The mayor issued the remark on Saturday after he was asked about Banayo’s comment.

“At never, sana, ‘wag nating gamitin na rally area ‘yung loob ng simbahan. Katoliko rin po kami. Hindi lang po kayo ang may-ari niyan. ‘Yan po ay pag-aari ng lahat ng kasapi ng Simbahang Katoliko,” he said while in Tabuk, Kalinga for his campaign.

(We should never use the inside of churches as a rally area. We are also Catholics. You do not own that. All Catholics own that.)

Moreno said churches are the only places where the public could gather, attend masses, and pray as members of the Catholic church.

He said Banayo’s remarks may also be based on his belief.

“So sa 'kin, 'yun ang take ko du'n. 'Yung opinion nila Ambassador Lito Banayo maybe it's also a Catholic. 'Yung opinion ni Ernest, maybe it's also a Catholic,” he said.

(So that’s my take. The opinion of Ambassador Lito Banayo, maybe it’s also Catholic. The opinion of Ernest, maybe it's also a Catholic.)

“Ewan ko ang opinyon ng taumbayan na Katoliko [sa] ginagamit ‘yung simbahan as rally area. Hindi ko alam sa kanila. But ako, sa 'kin, I’m offended as a Catholic. Hindi ko alam kung na-offend din ‘yung ibang Katoliko,” he added.

(I don’t know about the opinion of Catholics that the church was used as a rally area. I don’t know about them. But for me, I’m offended as a Catholic. I don’t know if others were also offended.) —with Richa Noriega/KBK/KG, GMA News