Estrada wants Celdran as Manila’s tourism chief

MANILA, Philippines - Incoming Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said yesterday he wants to appoint controversial tour guide Carlos Celdran as the city’s tourism chief.

In a telephone interview with The STAR, Estrada said he met with Celdran recently and told him about his plan.

“I want him. I’m impressed with him. He knows so much about tourism and the historical landmarks in our country. He is well-versed about tourism and the historical landmarks of the country. He is a true Filipino by heart,” he said.

Estrada said Celdran will be an asset to him and will help him greatly in his effort to bring back the old glory of Manila, which has many historical landmarks that were taken for granted by his predecessor.

“I’m seriously considering appointing him as Manila tourism chief. He has no political agenda. He is only after with restoring the landmarks of the country and he is doing that for love of country. I will be appointing him anytime,” Estrada said.

In January this year, Celdran was convicted by a Manila court of “offending religious feelings,” listed in Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code, after he walked into an ecumenical service at the Manila Cathedral on Sept. 30, 2010.

Clad in a black frock and hat similar to what national hero Jose Rizal wore, he brought out a placard with the word “Damaso” written on it, flashing it before the assembly including the prelates seated in front.

“Damaso” refers to a corrupt, oppressive Spanish friar in the novels of Jose Rizal, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.”

Celdran, a popular tourist guide and performance artist, is out on P5,000 bail while he is appealing his conviction.  Judge Juan Bermejo of the Manila Metropolitan Trial Court’s Branch 4 sentenced Celdran to a prison term ranging from two months and 21 days up to 13 months and 11 days.

The complaint was filed by the cathedral’s rector, Msgr. Nestor Cerbo, a member of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.