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Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Wenceslao: 'Mons' Dakay and the rape case
By Bong O. Wenceslao
Monsignor Achilles Dakay used to manage radio dyLA. This is probably the reason why the Cebu archdiocese chose him as its media liaison officer. This could also account for Dakay’s tendency to criticize media’s coverage of some issues, especially on the Church. The holier-than-thou posture, though, can sometimes be an irritant.
But there’s no escaping “Mons,” as some people would call him (like Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal is “Cardi” to some). Although there are other less combative and more informative priests in the archdiocese, Dakay is still the “official” spokesman of the cardinal, even if their personalities are actually like day and night.
I am writing about Dakay because he has already said a mouthful about the rape case against Dumlog, Danao parish priest Jose “Joey” Belciña. Samples: He said “Nindot” when Dumlog parishioners came out in support of Belciña. And didn’t he question media’s naming the accused (Belciña) and not the accuser (18-year-old girl)?
This has prompted me to ask: What does Dakay think of the Church? Or more specifically, what does he think of the clergy? An old man’s club overeager to shield a member accused of shenanigans? Or what does Mons think of his function? Cheerleader of an accused or media liaison officer of an entire archdiocese---priests and flock alike?
I understand Dakay’s main objection is that initial reports on the case largely presented the girl's claims, which is natural because in a complaint, the accusation is the focus. The complainant's affidavit detailed her allegations. Belciña, on the other hand, either made himself scarce or just issued a general denial.
As media liaison officer, Mons should have facilitated Belciña’s appearance before reporters to answer the charges or at least should have dug deeper into the matter so he could present an informed answer to reporters’ questions. Issuing vague responses, or worse, mere protestations about how the priest’s reputation was damaged is a turn-off.
Add to that the perception of bias. The woman is a Catholic, thus her interest should also be the concern of the Church. At issue here is not only Belciña’s reputation but also the girl’s dignity. It is because of this that Dakay should have been more prudent in his statements because he speaks for the archdiocese.
Belciña is a priest of the Church, a powerful institution. In contrast, the accuser’s family could not even pay for her tuition. One can easily see there where the advantages are stacked. There is no need, then, for Dakay and the archdiocese to be overly protective of the priest. Instead, they should seek out the young woman and listen to her side.
(khanwens@yahoo.com/ 0915-9228651)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 15, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
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