‘Celdran needs penance’

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Church has forgiven reproductive health activist Carlos Celdran, but says that he has to do penance.

It is not clear if penance means time spent behind bars following Celdran’s conviction for the crime of “offending religious feelings.” Celdran is appealing the conviction.

Celdran was convicted by a Manila court for walking up to the altar and raising a placard with the word “Damaso” during an ecumenical service at the Manila Cathedral on Sept. 30, 2010.

He could be imprisoned from two months and 21 days up to 13 months and 11 days.

Speaking over Catholic Church-run Radio Veritas, Manila Cathedral rector Monsignor Nestor Cerbo said the Church will continue to pray for the enlightenment of Celdran.

“If we go to confession, the Lord forgives us, there is penance and we have to recite prayers to the Lord,” he said. “We have to compensate for the damage done.”

The Archdiocese of Manila is no longer pursuing the case against Celdran.

Peachy Yamsuan, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila communications director, said the public prosecutor, representing the state, was pursuing the criminal case against Celdran.

“The Archdiocese of Manila did not pursue the case against Mr. Carlos Celdran for Violation of Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code,” she said.

“While deeply disturbed by the incident, then Manila Archbishop Gaudencio  Cardinal Rosales gave instructions for the Archdiocese to no longer pursue the case.”

Aquino cautioned

House of Representatives Minority Leader Danilo Suarez cautioned President Aquino yesterday against making remarks that could interfere in the legal processes on Celdran’s case.

Celdran is appealing his conviction in the Manila Metropolitan Court for offending religious feelings punishable under Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code.

Celdran had disrupted a Mass at the Manila Cathedral to protest the Catholic bishops’ campaign against the Reproductive Health law.

Suarez said Aquino’s statement that Celdran should be forgiven could put pressure on Judge Juan Bermejo, who sentenced Celdran to prison.

“I pity the judge,” he said. “Good luck to him.”

Suarez said Celdran was fortunate that he tried to wrestle with a forgiving Catholic Church.

“If he did his antics against another religion, he would have been beaten black and blue,” he said.

On the other hand, Anakbayan defended Celdran and condemned his conviction.

Vencer Crisostomo, Anakbayan national chairman, said the court decision is clearly a repressive act and an assault on civil liberties and free speech.

Celdran’s plight highlights the need to intensify the fight for human rights, he added.

Crisostomo said the state is holding artists like Ericson Acosta for exercising their right to expression and dissent.

“We hope Celdran takes up the cudgels for all who are unjustly detained and those oppressed,” he said.

Crisostomo urged the court to reverse the conviction of  Celdran.

“We also call on the Noynoy Aquino government to uphold human rights and free expression – free Ericson Acosta and all who are unjustly imprisoned because of their convictions,” he said. – With Paolo Romero, Sandy Araneta