A retired archbishop on Tuesday disowned a Facebook page appearing to promote him as a senatorial bet in the 2013 elections.
Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said he was surprised to get calls about the Facebook account "Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz for Senator Movement."
“I was amazed to learn of the Facebook Account named ‘Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz for Senator Movement,’" he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news site.
Cruz, 76, has his own blog site (ovc.blogspot.com).
He added that had his mother been alive today, she would not even vote for him as village watchman.
“Malapit na akong mamatay, bakit naman ngayon ko lang naisipang tumakbo sa halalan (I'm about to die, why think of entering politics at this time)?" he said.
Cruz had gained controversy for being outspoken about various national issues. He heads an anti-jueteng and anti-gambling movement.
The prelate said he was surprised with calls from media practitioners and closest friends asking him of his political plans since early Tuesday morning.
The Facebook account contained pictures of Cruz during his speaking engagements.
But Cruz said he does not feel offended by the controversial page, and expressed appreciation over the creativity of the persons behind the unauthorized Facebook account.
In past years, Cruz clashed with the Arroyo administration on graft and corruption allegations.
Recently, he has scored the Aquino administration over its efforts for the passage of the Reproductive Health bill.
Canon law
Cruz, a Canon Law expert, also said specific provisions of the Code of Canon Law bar clerics from seeking public office.
“I brought up this issue when several priests ran for elected office in the recent past," he added, noting all priests are banned from running for national and local positions.
He said Catholic priest Ed Panlilio had to leave the priesthood in 2007 when he opted to run for provincial governor.
“Ed Panlilio is neither in nor out (of priesthood) and though he’s still a priest, he cannot celebrate mass and perform other priestly functions because he is on leave permanently," he said. — TJD
