Vidal says: No probe unless complaint is filed

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal yesterday said he would not launch an investigation into the controversy surrounding the Virgin Mary Shrine in the town of Simala unless a formal complaint is filed.

 Vidal, who graced the anniversary of the Catholic Church local newspaper “Lungsuranon” yesterday, said while the conduct of the alleged “Miss Gay” competition at the monastery was “improper and immoral,” it is still considered hearsay without a formal complaint.

 “Why do I have to dignify anything that is not brought to my office? We will just wait for a petition or a formal complaint,” Vidal said, stressing also that the monks were not behind the business activities at the shrine.

 He vehemently denied that the staging of the “Miss Gay” contest bore his approval.

 Earlier, Venancio “Brother Paul” Cabillon, who was expelled by monks running the shrine, exposed what he claimed were sexual trysts involving the monks, gun hoards for their protection, among others.

 Msgr. Achilles Dakay, media liaison officer of Archdiocese of Cebu, said the Catholic Church is ready to investigate the controversy, but expressed confidence that it will not undermine the devotees of the Virgin Mary. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/LPM (THE FREEMAN NEWS)