MANILA, Philippines -- The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said Tuesday it is respecting the conviction by a Manila City Metropolitan Trial Court on tour guide and Reproductive Health law advocate Carlos Celdran.
“For me the Court has spoken and we respect the Court. On our part, even long before we have forgiven him so whatever the Court decides we respect it,”said CBCP President Archbishop Jose Palma in a Church-run forum in Manila Tuesday.
However, the Cebu prelate said he has not read the copy of MCMTC Branch 4 Judge Juan Bermejo decision as they have been preoccupied with the just concluded 106th Plenary Assembly at the Pope Pope Pius XII Catholic Center in Manila.
He noted that they have forgiven Celdran even before the decision on the case filed Manila Cathedral rector Monsignor Nestor Cerbo came out.
“We respect the processes of the court and more than anything else love should prevail and we have already learned our lesson in the process. Respect should be given to every religion, respect the place and above all we should pray,” Palma added.
He said the incident with the Manila tour guide was also a learning experience about respect.
On Monday, the Manila court found Celdran guilty of offending religious feelings which is covered by the Revised Penal Code Sec. 4 Art. 133.
The penalty for the offense could range from two months and 21 days up to 13 months and 11 days.
It can be recalled that on Sept. 30, 2010, Celdran disrupted Mass when he entered the Manila Cathedral and went near the altar in front of the church and raised a placard with the word “Damaso”.
source: interaksyon.com
