Malolos bishop asks lay leaders eyeing barangay, SK seats to go on leave

Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo has issued a circular stating that officers and members who intend to run in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections should file a leave of absence.

In a post on the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website, Bishop Villarojo issued the circular last August 10.

“All incumbent officers and members of different church organizations who wish to be elected as public officials should file a leave of absence addressed to their respective parish priests,” the prelate said.

“In failure to do so, they will be automatically resigned from their posts effective upon their filing of certificate of candidacy,” he added.

Villarojo said that the church encourages the lay people to participate in politics.

"We hope that our brothers and sisters who seek to be elected as public officials will bring with them the values of Christ in this wonderful venture, prioritizing the common good, justice, peace, with a love of preference for the poor and in the spirit of Christian service," he added.

However, the bishop warned “of the potential for confusion when it comes to exercising power both in the church and in public office”.

“In this regard, we wish to guard our faithful against possible accusations of using the church for partisan exercise,” he said.

Campaign materials

The losing candidates may resume their duties at their respective parishes, but this is upon the approval of the parish priest.

Bishop Villarojo also discouraged the use of shirts or materials that are affiliated to church organizations. — BAP, GMA Integrated News