MAYOR Michael Rama wants all churches in Cebu City to be open to the public during the Misa de Gallo or the nine-day dawn masses before Christmas.
Rama said on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, that churches and parishioners should be aware of and abide by the current thrust of the City Government in dealing with the pandemic.
“If you are asking me, open it up. Let the church be responsible sa ilang mga polisiya. Let all the churches, all churchgoers abide by and [be] aware [of] also where the thrust of the mayor and the City Government is,” said Rama.
In 2021, the Archdiocese of Cebu imposed a 50 percent seating capacity inside churches due to the threat of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Following the devastion brought about by Typhoon Odette (Rai) on Dec. 16, 2021, some parishes were unable to hold masses due to the lack of electricity and damage to structures.
This year, Rama said that he will not require the public to wear face masks inside churches and would rather leave it to the discretion of the individual.
Churches will also be given the liberty to choose the schedule and number of masses that will be held during those days, Rama said.
Misa de Gallo masses are usually held between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. from Dec. 16 to 24 of every year.
Last month, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued Circular 22-36, strongly urging the Filipino faithful to start going back to their churches and hear Sunday masses physically.
In its circular, the CBCP said the weakening of the Covid-19 pandemic and the more relaxed community restrictions create a scenario where the Catholic faithful can go back to hearing masses inside church establishments instead of being limited to virtual attendance.
Commendation
Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon wrote a letter of commendation to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the latter’s effort in warning commercial establishments in implementing the “no return, no exchange policy” on defective products.
Gealon said that the warning of DTI against establishments is timely, especially now that Christmas is fast approaching and the public is in buying mood for presents.
“With these warnings, the public won’t have trouble returning to the market any item or merchandise with defects, thus saving them time and resources,” said Gealon.