Priest suspended for entering politics

MANILA, Philippines - Following the footsteps of Pampanga Gov. Eddie “Among Ed” Panlilio, another priest is reportedly vying for the gubernatorial seat in Bukidnon.

The CBCPNews, the official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), yesterday said that the former parish priest of Valencia City Fr. Diosdado Tabios would be running as governor of Bukidnon.

This is reportedly the first time that a priest from the Diocese of Malaybalay would be seeking public office.

Tabios reportedly hopes to duplicate the success of Panlilio who became Pampanga’s governor. He was an alternative candidate who ran and won in year 2007 in a bid to curb the gambling problem in the province.

However, Malaybalay Bishop Honesto Pacana said that there are repercussions to Tabios’ decision to enter politics because he would have to be suspended from administering the sacraments and performing other priestly duties.

“After discerning, Tabios opted to run and I told him of his suspension and he understood the consequences,” the 76-year-old Bishop Pacana said.

When asked if Tabios can resume his priestly duties and obligations after his political career, the bishop said “it would depend on how he conducts himself during the campaign period and should he win. After his term of office, he will be evaluated.”

He added, “there is nothing in the Canon Law that says he cannot return to the fold.”

CBCPNews was able to contact Fr. Tabios but he refused to comment on his suspension, saying that he already talked with his bishop and there are no problems between them.