Sugbuak is moral issue, says Dakay

"Sugbuak is not just a political issue, but a moral issue as well. The very reason why the Church has to intervene is to guide the people to arrive at the right decision," Cebu Archdiocese media liaison officer Msgr. Achilles Dakay said at a forum yesterday.

Speaking in front of political science students at the University of San Carlos, Dakay said that because the Church and the state serve the same men and women, the Catholic Church has the right to participate and intervene on political issues.

"The Church is not mingling in matters, which border on the political side of things. This is only pure and simple practice of its tasks and obligations to see to it that the flock that She tends is guided always to the right path. We will always be on the lookout on what is best for them," Dakay said.

Meanwhile, the move to conduct the hearing here on the proposed creation of three more provinces out of the present Cebu has gained support from members of the Talisay City council. Councilors Sergio Restauro, Jo Florence Bas, Arturo Bas, Shirley Belleza, Rodi Cabigas, Sabeniano Abatayo and Joseph Bernardo Odilao voted in favor of the resolution sponsored by Vice Mayor Aberdovey Belleza that asked the House committee on local government to reverse an earlier ruling to hold the hearing in Manila, while independent councilor Alan Bucao, and administration councilors Emilio Go and Ignacio Luis Jordana voted against.

The resolution was rendered by councilor Restauro since Belleza was on leave. Councilor Osmundo Manreal Sr. left the hall before the voting. - Jasmin R. Uy and Garry B. Lao