Church welcomes appeal vs. junking of Ejares case

The Catholic Church in Cebu has welcomed the filing of an appeal to reverse the dismissal of the case against Fr. Benedicto Ejares.

The editorial of “Bag-ong Lungsoranon,” the official weekly publication of the Cebu Archdiocese, said the appeal filed at the Prosecutors Office was a right decision by those who may be doubtful of the decision of the case.

The Church however hoped that, in case the new investigation would show that Ejares committed a violation, such conclusion is not reached because of the pressures from people who do not agree to the doctrine of the association of the sanctity of the priest and Jesus Christ.

The main reason why the complaints against Ejares were dismissed by the City Prosecutors Office was the association of the priest as the “alter ego of Christ.” This makes it difficult to prove malice surrounding an incident that was religious in nature.

Lungsoranon said: “Kay sumala pa, ingon og gigamit ang sagradong imahen sa pari nga depensa nga dili gayod kini mahitabong makahimog sala o salawayong buhat.”

The basis of this decision however ignited more controversy instead of putting the issue to rest.

Those who were aggrieved said that being an “alter ego” or a representative of God on Earth does not make a priest immune from committing a crime or make this title as his shield from punishment of a crime he committed.

Lungsoranon agreed though that the case may not be an issue on theology and teachings of the Church over the sacramental character of the priest but a question on whether a crime was committed or the priest’s actions were criminal as alleged by the complainant.

But should the appeal be rejected and the dismissal of the case is upheld, the Church said that the decision is based on the merits of the evidence and arguments presented.

Ejares was accused of committing acts of lasciviousness, child abuse and harassment of high school students when they had a confession last year.

The prosecution however dismissed the case, prompting the Department of Social Welfare and Development, through lawyers Gerry Carillo and Alvin Butch Cañares, to file an appeal and asked for the inhibition of two prosecutors that caused the dismissal.

The appeal was done in collaboration with the city government and the National Bureau of Investigation that filed the first complaint.

Cebu City prosecutor Nicolas Sellon will now handle the preliminary investigation after assistant prosecutors Fernando Gubalane and Alexander Acosta voluntarily inhibited from handling the case.  — Ferliza C. Contratista/RAE