Panlilio can no longer be a priest – Apu Ceto

BY: Joel P. Mapiles


CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Archbishop Paciano Aniceto yesterday said outgoing Gov. Eddie Panlilio can no longer return to priesthood.
According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the archdiocese would reassign him to the University of the Assumption when his term ends on June 30.
In an interview, however, Panlilio said his options are open when he steps down from office -- either to return to priesthood or be an active organizer of a people’s organization.
Panlilio, who lost to Governor-elect Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda in the 2007 and 2010 gubernatorial races based on the recent decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), said his priority right now is to return to his priestly vows.
But Aniceto said the governor earlier wrote him a petition addressed to the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI requesting that he be dismissed from the clerical state.
“He told the media he’s returning to his ministry if his bishops would permit him but he already wrote a letter addressed to me which I have already sent to the Holy Father,” said the 73-year-old Archbishop.
It would take about a year for the Vatican to grant the priest-turned-politician’s petition.
Panlilio also said he would ask the advice Aniceto on his returning to his original ministry.
But the prelate had already advised the suspended priest to discern his vow to run for governor for a single term “until finally he decided to seek re-election.”
“I told him you broke your two promises to me, the first of which was he would only run for a single term and second, he would look for a layman to succeed him and prepare the laity to look for a credible successor,” he added.
Panlilio said should he be given the chance, it would not be possible for him to return as parish priest of Betis in Guagua town but may be given another responsibility, such as being a priest active in socio-civic activities and organizations.
If he yet again fails to go back to priesthood, Panlilio said he would become active in forming a peoples’ organization which spells for change, reforms in society and even in government.
“I will start organizing the more than 242,000 Kapampangans who cast their votes in my favor, as an advocate of good governance and reformed citizens,” he said.
Asked if he wants to work with incoming President Noy-Noy Aquino, Panlilio said Noy-Noy has not asked his help, yet.
Asked again if it would be okay if Pineda asks his assistance in governing the province, he said he will just think about it, if and when it happens.