Sorsogon priest running for councilor suspended

MANILA, Philippines — A Catholic priest running for councilor in Bacacay, Albay has been suspended for violating the Code of Canon Law.

Fr. Emmanuel Alparce was suspended after being given the opportunity to be heard, Sorsogon Bishop Jose Alan Dialogo said.

“All his faculties which were granted by my predecessor are hereby withdrawn as of this date (April 4) until further notice,” Dialogo said in a statement.

He said Alparce is prohibited from exercising ”the power of order and the power of governance,” and is no longer connected to any parish or institution in the diocese of Sorsogon.

However, Alparce remains “a priest incardinated” to the diocese of Sorsogon as he is ”not yet dispensed from his vows, especially celibacy, but without the faculty to celebrate the sacraments.”

“He has been warned that if he does not reform and continues to give scandal because of his participation in the local elections, he can be progressively punished by deprivations or even by dismissal from the clerical state,” Dialogo said.

Alparce is the third Catholic priest suspended from clerical duties for participating in this year’s elections.

The diocese of Libmanan in Camarines Sur had earlier suspended Fr. Granwell Pitapit for running as mayor in the town.

The diocese of Tagum suspended Fr. Emerson Luego, who is running for mayor in Mabini, Davao de Oro.