Bishops bury hatchet, laud Dolphy legacy

WHILE they previously criticized Rodolfo "Dolphy" Vera Quizon Sr. over his portrayal of "Father Jejemon," this did not stop prelates from being one with their Filipino brothers in mourning over the Comedy King's passing.

Former Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said they thank the Lord for giving Filipinos a top-notch entertainer in the form of Dolphy.

"We thank God for the gift of Dolphy, who served the country with his more than 200 films making all kinds of viewers cry and laugh through their shared experiences in life. He was a classic entertainer. May he rest in peace," said Lagdameo.

Some Church leaders did not hide earlier their disappointment over some controversial scenes in Dolphy's 2010 film, where the Holy Eucharist was accidentally dropped by the comedian in between the cleavage of a female communicant while another clip showed the Holy Eucharist getting stuck in between the dentures of a senior citizen.

Aside from Lagdameo, other prelates also sought to offer their prayers for the Comedy King.

"Eternal rest grant unto Dolphy O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. May Dolphy find true happiness in God's house, our home," said Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles.

"We pray for the repose of his soul. His death reminds us there is an end to our life. It is important that we discover and develop the talents the Lord has given us for the service of others and to thank the Giver of blessings and talents," said Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco.

"I and many of my clergy are saddened by the death of the Comedy king. We pray that the Lord will bring him soon to His Kingdom and appoint Dolphy as His court jester to make heaven a merrier state," said Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who grew up watching Dolphy's hit show "Buhay Artista" and other films, realized how many kernels of wisdom and truths were tucked into his jokes and humor in general.

"I've watched this man continually hone his craft as an artist but it is not only the comedian that I will miss, but the man I have also come to know as genuine, generous, humble, sincere, and a fine gentleman to boot," he said.

"As an artist, as a Filipino, and as a human being, I give him a crisp salute; and as a friend, a big hug. He will be missed," Marcos added.

For her part, Senator Loren Legarda credited Dolphy for "venturing out of his comfort zone" to tackle the controversial and scarcely discussed subject of comfort gays.

"It was a testament to his versatility, conviction, and genuine talent," she said.

In the award-winning movie “Markova: Comfort Gay” released in 2000, Legarda had a cameo role as a journalist.

Dolphy passed away Tuesday night at the Makati Medical Center, where he had been confined since June 9 for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Makati Medical Center officials, in an official statement, said he died due to "multiple organ failure secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and acute renal failure." (HDT/Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)