THE Archdiocese of Cebu has denied endorsing any political candidate for the upcoming May 12, 2025 midterm elections.
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Archdiocese demanded the immediate removal of posters circulating on social media showing Archbishop Jose Palma alongside Cebu City mayoralty candidate Michael Rama.
The posters were captioned “Thank you Arch. Jose Palma” in bold letters, implying an endorsement from the Catholic Church, which the Archdiocese vehemently refutes.
Palma is “not endorsing any political candidate, whether at the local or national level,” read part of the statement.
“Neither has the Archbishop allowed any of his priests to use the pulpit to promote or defend any political party or candidate,” the statement further said.
SunStar Cebu tried to ask Rama on Thursday, May 8, 2025, if he was aware of the photo circulating online; but the former mayor was holding a motorcade at the time.
The Archdiocese cited two primary reasons for demanding the removal of the posters.
First, the Archdiocese believes the posters could indirectly influence parishioners, which potentially violates Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code that prohibits the coercion of subordinates.
Second, the use of the Archbishop’s image for campaign purposes was done without his consent, in violation of the Data Privacy Act (R.A. 10173).
The disclaimer was signed by lawyer Rev. Fr. Domingo Delos Angeles, Jr., legal officer of the Archdiocese of Cebu, and approved by Palma.
The Archdiocese offered prayers for a peaceful and honest midterm election. / CDF