Archdiocese hits use of Palma’s image in campaign posters

CEBU, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Cebu has strongly denounced the unauthorized use of Archbishop Jose Palma’s image in political campaign posters featuring former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama.

The controversial posters, spotted in several areas across Cebu City and widely shared on social media, show Rama clasping the Archbishop’s right hand.

The image is accompanied by a caption thanking Palma, followed by Rama’s name and mention of his 2025 reelection bid.

The caption on the tarpaulins reads, “THANK YOU, ARCH. JOSE PALMA.”

In its official statement released last Wednesday, the Archdiocese emphasized that Archbishop Palma has not endorsed any political candidate and did not give permission for his photo to be used for election-related purposes.

“We wish to inform the public that the Cebu Archbishop is not endorsing any political candidate, whether at the local or national level,” the statement read.

“Neither has the Archbishop allowed any of his priests to use the pulpit to promote or defend any political party or candidate,” it added.

The Archdiocese further warned that any attempt to associate the Archbishop with political aspirants could violate both civil laws and internal Church protocols.

The statement, signed by legal counsel Rev. Fr. Domingo P. Delos Angeles Jr. and approved by the Archbishop himself, highlighted that the Archdiocese has ordered the immediate removal of the posters.

Officials noted that the unauthorized use of the Archbishop’s likeness may violate Section 261(d) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits religious leaders from influencing voters.

The statement also referenced the Data Privacy Act of 2012, noting that the use of Archbishop Palma’s image without his informed consent could constitute a breach of data protection regulations.

“The use of the photo for election campaign purposes is without the informed consent of the Archbishop,” it read.

The Archdiocese stressed that no clergy member has been permitted to promote or defend any political figure from the pulpit or during religious services.

The origin of the campaign materials remains unclear, and Rama’s public statement did not disclose who was responsible for its production and distribution.

In a segment of the local radio program Straight to the Point, Atty. Ruphil Bañoc asked Rama to identify the source of the controversial image.

However, Rama did not confirm whether the photo was taken with the archbishop’s knowledge.

“Di sad ko mosulti unsay diin na gikuhang pictura,” said Rama to Bañoc.

Rama also appealed for the posters not to be removed, suggesting those who posted them were merely doing their job.

“Ayaw lang tawn ipatangtang kay ang gapabutang tingali ana or nag trabaho sad ana maluoy sad ta,” he told Bañoc.

Despite his appeal, Rama conceded that if the posters were to be taken down completely, he would not object.

“Maynalang makakita sila nga ang kamot ni Mike Rama ug ang kamot ni Archbishop Palma pwerte jung… pasabot dili mi kaaway ni Archbishop Palma,” he added.

Rama is seeking a political comeback in the 2025 midterm elections after his last term was cut short when he was suspended in May 2024 for six months over allegations of grave misconduct stemming from delayed salary payments to city employees.

By October of the same year, he was dismissed from office after the Ombudsman found him guilty of nepotism, citing his appointment of unqualified relatives to government positions.

Nonetheless, Rama filed his certificate of candidacy (COC), which was initially rejected by the Commission on Elections.

His camp then sought relief from the Supreme Court, which issued a temporary restraining order on October 22, 2024, allowing him to remain in the race while his disqualification is under judicial review. — (FREEMAN)