Pinoy priest-turned politician backs off from running as president

From CBCP News

Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio, a suspended Catholic priest, pulled out in the 2010 presidential race Friday and threw his support to a more prominent leader.

Panlilio issued a statement in which he pledged to support Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino III, whose pressure for him to run is mounting.

At a press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan City, Panlilio said he made his decision after a series of consultations with Aquino, his colleagues in the good governance and supporters from across the country.

“After much prayer, contemplation, and consultations, we have decided to respond to the call for love of country, sacrifice, and unity initiated by Senator Mar Roxas on Tuesday,” he said in Filipino, reading from a prepared joint statement with Isabela Governor Grace Padaca. [When he announced his decision to run, he said that he heard the voice of God.  See here]

“We have decided to renounce our bid to run for President and instead give our wholehearted support and trust to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III," he added.

The governor said they dropping their 2010 political plans so they could back one candidate who they believe can defeat the administration bet.

Padaca was reportedly sick and was not present in the press conference.

Panlilio earlier said should he decide not to run for the highest post in the land, he might just go back to the priesthood. [Good Father!]

“There are many possibilities. I might return to the priesthood. I might also run for second term in Pampanga or other posts,” he said. [Oops!  I spoke too soon.]

Panlilio is currently barred from administering the sacraments and performing other priestly duties after he won as Pampanga governor in 2007.

On Tuesday, Senator Mar Roxas formally announced his withdrawal as the standard bearer of the Liberal Party in the 2010 presidential elections to give way to Aquino.

Roxas’ decision came amid the growing calls for Aquino to continue the legacy of his parents– the late president Corazon “Cory” Aquino and martyred Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. – by running for president. (Roy Lagarde)

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I heard from my friends in Pampanga that a lot of good things that happened in the province since the priest became governor.

But don't get me wrong. I am not for the clergy or religious to be into politics.

Play your part in active Catholic citizenship in the political setting but it does not mean that the clergy and religious will put their vocations in the back seat to play a more active role in politics.

You do not need ordination or solemn religious vows to serve our country.