Oslob parish priest receives nary a cent from Pacquiao

The parish priest of the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Oslob yesterday denied he received any money from Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao for the restoration and rebuilding of the church.

“For the information of everybody, I have not received any centavo from Manny and he has not even been to Oslob,” Fr. Valentino Gemelo aid

This after reports that he accepted a donation from Pacquiao for the restoration of the century-old church that was gutted down by fire last March 27 due to faulty electrical wiring.

In a press conference yesterday, Gemelo said he wants to clear his name after receiving reports in his parish that he received a donation from Pacquiao worth P5 million and pocketed it.

According to Gemelo, he has been questioned lately by residents as to where Pacquiao’s donation went.

Also on the issue that the town mayor had asked fees for their use of the covered court during Masses, Gemelo said there is no truth to such as they are occupying the facility for free.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Archdiocese through second collection in Masses collected P1,164,000 as of May 8 while Oslob Parish collected P800,000 intended for the restoration works that would cost around P30 million.  

Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal instructed parish priests to conduct a special collection during all Masses last Sunday, which was Divine Mercy Sunday.

In an effort to also be of help, the University of the Visayas Chorale will be holding a concert dubbed “Bulawanong Dalit alang sa Oslob” at the SM Cinema One on May 24.  Funds raised will be turned over to the parish.  — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV