AT LEAST 253 Catholic priests and nuns in the Archdiocese of Cebu have openly declared their “individual support” for the tandem of Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan in a joint statement released on Thursday, May 5, 2022.
The number continues to rise as more and more priests, religious and consecrated persons affixed their signatures on the manifesto past 5 PM on Thursday hours after a “Holy Mass for Good Governance” was held at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Thursday.
“We view the coming May 9 elections as not just one ordinary electoral exercise. It has become the battle for the soul of our beloved country. It is a fight not just between political personalities. Rather, we are asked to decide whether we want a government guided by the rule of law and respect for our cherished freedoms or do we want to continue the gradual, though evident, diminution of our liberties,” read part of the statement.
The signatories include the heads of some Archdiocesan Commissions.
“Do we continue to be like the proverbial frog swimming in a pot of slowly boiling water (CBCP, July 2020) or do we jump out of the pot especially now that an opportunity presents itself? We are painfully aware of the dangers of the Church becoming power brokers. But times are extremely abnormal, and we believe that silence in front of a possible return of a lamented past is even more dangerous," the statement further read.
They also denounced the “disinformation and historical revisionism that now accompany the attempt to return to power by the family that has destroyed democratic institutions and pillaged the country.”
“We also fear the disinformation and deception that characterize their campaign will also characterize the kind of leadership once they regain power,” the statement said.
Rev. Fr. John Jadulco, spokesperson of the Pari, Madre, Misyonero (PMM) para kay Leni Cebu Chapter, urged people to pray and carefully consider their choice of candidates. He encouraged people to vote for those who display the teachings of God and reflect Christian values.
In supporting the Leni-Kiko tandem, the signatories cited Robredo’s ability to inspire people to do good as evidenced by the “phenomenal volunteerism” in the current campaign; while Pangilinan has helped ordinary farmers.
“The two have consistently opposed the wanton killing of drug suspects. Together, we hope that this tandem will embody the teaching of the Church on the option for the poor and the marginalized,” read the statement.
Vice-presidential daughter Dr. Patricia Robredo who attended the Mass thanked the priests and nuns for their trust and support.
"We have a lot of anxieties, but at the end of the day, we really believe that what's going to happen would be the will of God that we strongly believe in, and we take great comfort from that. We are just really thankful for the reinforcement,” she said.
Following is the partial list of signatories containing 253 names as of 12 NN, Thursday.
Diocesan priests
Msgr. Adelito Abella, Fr. William Alcalde, Fr. Eligio Almazol Jr., Fr. Jose Adonis Aquino, Fr. Leo Lou Arche, Fr. Harvey Argoncillo, Fr. Ian Fel Balankig,Fr. Mhar Vincent Balili, Fr. Abel Bancog, Fr. Alden John Baran, Fr. Dennis Baricuatro, Fr. Pepito Batomalaque, Fr. Froilan Bejoc, Fr. Ildebrando Bohol, Fr. Dennis Boltron, Fr. Socrates Cabanig, Fr. Felimon Cafino, Fr. Gonzalo Candado, Fr. Reil Cantillas, Fr. Neil Cortes, Fr. Villy Jean Cortes, Fr. Reynaldo Cui, Fr. Joselito Danao, Fr. Joseph de Aquino, Fr. Eugene dela Corte, Fr. Cosme dela Peña, Fr. Raph dela Pieza, Fr. Allan Delima, Fr. Renato Destacamento, Fr. Arnel Dionaldo, Fr. Isidrito Ducao II, Fr. Ariel Dutosme, Fr. Ramon Echica, Fr. Randy Edaño, Fr. Severino Escobido III, Fr. Jayson Facunla, Fr. Vhen Jesus Fernandez, Fr. Vicente Florido, Fr. Joseph Gabriente, Fr. Kent Dahrel Galo, Fr. Leinad Castrence Garces, Msgr. Cayetano Gelbolingo, Fr. Wilfredo Genelazo, Fr. Japheth Geonzon, Fr. Glenn Therese Guanzon, Fr. Venedict Into, Fr. John Temothy Jadulco, Fr. Vito Jumao-as, Fr. Moenil Lapa, Fr. Joseph Larida, Fr. Arthur Manalo, Fr. Bense Mante,
Fr. Francis Manugas, Fr. Christian James Mayol, Msgr. Marnell Mejia, Fr. Elvin Miraflor, Fr. Randy Nebria,
Fr. Erik Orio, Fr. Bernardo Oyao, Fr. Virgilio Pedrano, Fr. Joselito Peralta, Fr. Irwin Pilario, Fr. Alvin Raypan, Fr. Rizalino Raypan Jr., Fr. Josephus Remonde, Fr. Melgerg Arnulfo Rendon, Fr. Florido Rosales, Fr. Jonathan Rubin, Fr. Ronaldo Sagnoy, Fr. Cherish Chester Serana, Fr. Junrey Siman, Fr. Edgar Sundo, Fr. Andrei Mikhail Tabotabo, Msgr. Joselito Tajanlangit, Fr. Manuel Tan, Fr. Jose Roldan Tayactac, Fr. Euselito Tulipas, Msgr. Phil James Tumulak, Fr. Eddie Boy Vega, Fr. Andrei Ventanilla, Fr. Eduard Verame, Fr. Mario Villacastin, Fr. Dave Villaceran, Fr. Fran Villegas, Fr. Jonas Yap, Fr. Gilbert Ytang, and Fr. Antonio Zamora Jr.
Men Religious
Fr. George Alfonso, MSC; Fr. Joel Bonza, MSC; Fr. Severino Diamante Jr., MSC; Fr. Jimmy Duero, MSC; Fr. Alwin Malto, MSC Fr. Benido Tumol, MSC; Bro. Mark Joy Basallajes, OFM; Fr. Mark Anthony Zarate, OFM; Fr. Maio Colina, CM; Fr. Fausto Luzentales, CM; Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, CM; Fr. Maximino Rendon, CM; Fr. Christian Sambajon, CM; Fr. Joven Teresas, CM;
Fr. Victoriano Torres, CM; Fr. Ulyses Angus, RCJ; Fr. Jose Gasta, RCJ; Fr. Kristian Irvin Taok, RCJ; Fr. Brian Tutas, RCJ; Fr. Sherwin Valenzuela, RCJ; Fr. Randy Figuracion, SDB;
Fr. Rey Garcia, SDB; Fr. Jhun Paradiang, SDB; Fr. Jerome Antogop, MLCC; Fr. Romel Rey Rosil, MLCC; Fr. Gregor Suelto, MLCC
Fr. Nelson Zerda, OSA; Fr. Silvino Borres, SJ;
Fr. Roberto Archie Carampatan, SJ;
Fr. Ernesto Javier, SJ; and Fr. Gilbert Levosada, SJ.
Women religious and consecrated persons
Sr. Blesilda Abangan, DC; Sr. Leonida Argelio, DC; Sr. Porfiria Bonaobra, DC;
Sr. Marites Buensuceso, DC; Sr. Amelia Camposano, DC; Sr. Salvacion Consulta, DC ; Sr. Lilibeth Cortes, DC; Sr. Gertie dela Cruz, DC; Sr. Arlene Dominguiano, DC; Sr. Genoveva Dona, DC; Sr. Angelina Embarnace, DC; Sr. Ma. Magdalena Erasmo, DC; Sr. Mary Ann Ferrariz, DC; Sr. Juana Godoy, DC; Sr. Ma. Jenvilla Guirjen, DC; Sr. Lorna Madraso, DC; Sr. Victoria Ostan, DC; Sr. Diana Perey, DC; Sr. Percy Pinili, DC; Sr. Perlisita Rapita, DC;
Sr. Elenita Soriano, DC; Sr. Amelia Velchez, DC; Sr. Lea Ann Espina, RGS; Sr. Joy Ablen, Sch.P.; Sr. Kylajean Aque, Sch.P.; Sr. Madelyn Barrera, Sch.P.; Sr. Estrella Bordalba, Sch.P.; Sr. Cristina Casuloc-an, Sch.P.; Sr. Charity Dalugdog, Sch.P.; Sr. Marilou Endam, Sch.P.; Sr. Christine Famulagan, Sch.P.; Sr. Celsa Garupa, Sch.P.
Sr. Melfe Lampago, Sch.P.; Sr. Beria Deth Joy Menalis, Sch.P.; Novice Jessamae Oclarit, Sch.P.; Sr. Mildred Peñaranda, Sch.P.; Sr. Elena Rollan, Sch.P.; Sr. Perlita Secuya, Sch.P.; Sr. Antonieta Sitoy, Sch.P.;
Sr. Else Suaner, Escolapias; Sr. Gemma Abellana, ICM; Sr. Joyce Dines, ICM; Sr. Eugenia Mendres, ICM; Sr. Marife Sebial, ICM; Sr. Catalina Varela, ICM; Sr. Josephine Yballe, ICM; Sr. May Gaylan, SFIC; Sr. Oliva Ardaniel, SFIC; Sr. Sheila Marie Gomez, SFIC ; Sr. Evangelina Labanda, SFIC; Sr. Girlie Lopez, SFIC; Sr. Jill Tariao, SFIC;
Sr. Eufemia Villegas, SFIC; Sr. Amelita Dalumpines, RMI; Sr. Elma Cruz, RMI; Sr. Anita Selidio, MSM; Sr. Monica Batucan, FMM; Sr. Timothea Talandron, FHIC; Sr. Jinesa Hilacan, FSpIF; Sr. Mary Judith Abrea, SSpS; Sr. Benilda Avelino, SSpS; Sr. Maricel Carba, SSpS; Sr. Jovita Cendaña, SSpS; Sr. Maria Elizabeth Ello, SSpS; Sr. Alejandrea Guerrero, SSpS; Sr. Diomar Lopez, SSpS; Sr. Fatima Manding, SSpS; Sr. Marie Claire Manding, SSpS; Sr. Maria Margarita Manigque, SSpS; Sr. Felicie Maria, SSpS; Sr. Lourdes Nieves, SSpS; Sr. Estela Parmisano, SSpS; Sr. Leoncia Prigunta, SSpS; Sr. Celestina Tangan, SSpS; Sr. Amelia Trabajo, SSpS;
Sr. Miriam Dolores Trece, SSpS; Sr. Hildegarde Amboy, OSB; Sr. Maureen Cariaga, OSB; Sr. Mechtilde Juntado, OSB; Sr. Ida Morin, OSB; Sr. Nimfa Abing, MQHM; Sr. Bella Bacomo, MQHM; Sr. Rose Benolirao, MQHM; Sr. Rowena Calado, MQHM; Sr. Lyra Yvettte Durano, MQHM; Sr. Angelica Fernandez, MQHM; Sr. Pauline Mendoza, MQHM; Sr. Marilyn Novicio, MQHM; Sr. Gaudiosa Pedoche, MQHM; Sr. Mares Villalon, MQHM; Sr. Rovilla Villamucho, MQHM; Sr. Maricar Andamon, FSP; Sr. Giacinta Gornis, FSP; Sr. Anna Marie Merino, FSP; Sr. Anne Marie Nemenzo, FSP; Sr. Rosalinda Ongcoy, FSP; Sr. Gina Rama, FSP; Sr. Angelita Sagun, ASOLC; Sr. Mary Ann Ardita, FSpIF; Sr. Tita Bokingo, FSpIF; Sr. Verona Calvez, FSpIF; Sr. Maria Gennie Cortes, FSpIF;
Sr. Joesarie Ann English, FSpIF; Sr. Guadalupe Paeste, FSpIF; Sr. Chona Petalcorin, FSPIF; Sr. Evella Sumagang, FSpIF; Sr. Marilou TImtim, FSpIF; Sr. Mary Angel Xavier, FSpIF; Novice Maria Fe Hilacan; Sr. Mary Mediatrix Cabahug, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Michaela Coscos, AHFJ; Sr. Mary John FLores, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Catherine Funes, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Rose Gabato, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Consolatrix Jaque, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Carmel Lera, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Nativity Lupian, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Joseph Miras, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Angela Omila, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Socorre Palma, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Pauline Rapsing, AHFJ; Sr. Ma. Guadalupe Stiegler, AHFJ; Sr. Mary Anne Suarez, AHFJ; Sr. M. Adela Llaga, FDZ; Sr. Maria Luisa Luz, FDZ; Sr. M. Yolanda Nava, FDZ; Sr. Ma. Elneliza Decaymat, MCST; Sr. Kathleen Gay Magpantay, MCST; Sr. Evangelina Pabalate, MCST; Sr. Maria Corazon Talay, MCST;
Sr. Rose Asidoy, SDS; Sr. Ruth Baguinon, SDS; Sr. Grace Cabanas, SDS; Sr. Rose Agnes Etong, SDS; and Sr. Maria Elisa Rañises, SDS.