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Manila Bulletin devider devider Catholic priest says repeal of law penalizing act of 'wounding religious feelings' makes no sense

Catholic priest says repeal of law penalizing act of 'wounding religious feelings' makes no sense

Published Oct 22, 2019 10:59 pm
By Leslie Ann Aquino For a Catholic priest, the bill of Albay (1st District) Rep. Edcel Lagman seeking to repeal the law penalizing the act of "wounding religious feelings" is illogical. Fr. Jerome Secillano (CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN) Fr. Jerome Secillano
(CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN) "The proposal simply doesn't make sense," said Father Jerome Secillano of the Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro Parish in Manila. This, he said is especially since the said provision guarantees free and peaceful exercise of one's religion without fear or interference from external forces. The executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines  Public Affairs Committee also believes that taking away the said penalty would only spur more irreverence towards religion. "Taking away the penalty for such violation will only embolden imprudent and disrespectful actions against any church or religion," said Secillano. If Lagman wishes to honor Carlos Celdran, the priest said he should think of other ways. "He can do it in many ways. But, it shouldn't be something that will undermine religious institutions or practices in the process," Secillano said. To recall, Celdran had been found guilty of blasphemy after staging a protest action against bishops and priests back in September 2010 at the Manila Cathedral.
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