CEBU CITY – As several candidates running for local and national positions have asked for God’s blessings from Cebu Archbishop Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal, the prelate has admitted receiving cash donations from some politicians who asked for his blessings.

However, the Cardinal was quick to clarify that the financial donations he accepted were not for his personal account but for Caritas, a churchbased foundation helping the poor families.

“Candidates send me money, but I immediately forward it to the Caritas, for poor people,” he said.

The cardinal also stressed that he does not endorse candidates when they ask for his blessings. “I can’t deny them God’s blessing because it is open to everyone,” he said.

Vidal said he’s preserving his non-partisan status, being one with the Church.

“For my 27 years’ stay here in the Archdiocese of Cebu, no one has questioned me on my part about a candidate,” he said.

Vidal admitted his influence during the terms of former President Ferdinand Marcos up to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He recalled that the leaders had sent him papers seeking his recommendation on top positions in the country. However, the Cardinal explained that his recommendation for people to occupy certain offices was only a suggestion and that he wouldn’t feel bad if the people he recommended were not duly appointed.

“My recommendation is just a suggestion, and I will never feel bad if they would reject my recommendation,” Vidal said.