EDITORIAL - The one essential voice

For the past several days since the news broke about the arrest of a man and woman in Cordova who used their own children to peddle child pornography over the Internet, the media has been seeking out reactions from leaders of different sectors in Cebu society.

Inexplicably, the Cebu media seems to have preferred soliciting the reaction of former Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal over that of incumbent Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma. It is hoped that this is a case of simple oversight.

To be sure, Cebuanos continue to value the wisdom of Vidal. But he is already retired. And while retirement does not necessarily silence him, one would have thought it a matter of simple courtesy to go first to the sitting archbishop on matters of religion and morals.

It should be held pretty certain that the inputs of Vidal and Palma on the issue of cyber sex and child pornography in particular and morals in general would not vary greatly. Impropriety in choosing which one to solicit advice from, however, makes for a whale of a difference.

Of course it is not expected of Palma to resent being ignored on the issue. Nevertheless, the point is not how Palma personally takes the "snub" but that the new leader of the flock should be given the chance to articulate his thoughts on a matter of grave importance.

Recent developments have seen differences in opinion splitting the Roman Catholic Church, in ways that are not only unnecessary but also hurtful. This would have been a good time to let Palma share insights into the direction he intends to take his flock.

What Palma says officially on anything will henceforth become policy within the Cebu archdiocese for the duration of his watch, and while the media cannot, for inherent reasons, take sides, it must make sure it gives Palma the opportunity to make his voice be heard.

Even if Palma is indisposed momentarily to make a statement of any kind on anything, the media ought to have seen the prudence of waiting until he does. Going to Vidal does not fall under multiplicity of sourcing in light of the absence of the one essential voice.