An official of the Catholic Church has advised priest-turned-Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio to be realistic on his plan to run for president next year.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz told Panlilio that the presidential campaign is not an easy job. “It’s hard to run for the presidency.”

Cruz added: “He needs machinery. We can be idealistic but we need to be realistic.”

But before gunning for the presidency or any office, Cruz said that Panlilio should first leave the priesthood by asking for dispensation.

Cruz said that a priest who asks for dispensation will be released from his obligations such as celibacy, obedience to the bishop and he will no longer be allowed to hold masses and give sacraments.

It would be recalled that when Panlilio ran in the gubernatorial race in 2007, he was suspended from his ministry by Pampanga Archbishop Paciano Aniceto.

But Archbishop Cruz said that Panlilio might be allowed by his superior to either extend or shorten his leave.

“It depends on Abp. Aniceto because Panlilio is under him. They could either extend his leave or shorten it,” he said.

Cruz added: “But technically, it can still be extended for six years should he decide to run for president and win.”