‘Surly’ priest under fire anew

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Monsignor Juanito Tuvilla, parochial vicar of the Sta. Barbara Catholic Church, has been assailed again for his alleged “unbecoming behavior.”

This time around, the Municipal Council of Sta. Barbara, Iloilo did not take things lightly and approved a resolution asking the Archdiocese of Jaro to investigate into Tuvilla’s “boorish behavior.”

Councilor Larry Deatras confirmed that the resolution, which is now with Mayor Dennis Superficial, came in the heels of a December 3 event held at the parish church.

That day, there was an unveiling of a national cultural marker following the declaration of the Sta. Barbara Church and convent as a national cultural treasure, the rites of which was administered by Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo and National Museum of the Philippines assistant director Angel Bautista.

The event was also attended by National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman Ma. Serena Diokno, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., Representative Arcadio Gorriceta (2nd district, Iloilo), Mayor Superficial and Vice Mayor Rema Somo.

There was also a ceremony for the deposition of relics of saints from Italy and a church dedication. The NHCP spearheaded the P50-million restoration project of the Sta. Barbara Church and convent.

After the event, a representative from the NHCP allegedly wanted Tuvilla to sign a document making official the turnover of the completed project, but he allegedly “declined” by throwing the papers away in anger because his previous request for some repairs were not granted.

A councilor said they could not reprimand Tuvilla for his actions, the reason why the Council asked for an investigation from his superior. “At least, those who were shamed because of his behavior will be vindicated,” he added.

For five years that Tuvilla led the parish church, the number of parishioners has been dwindling. “They’d rather go to nearby churches to have their children baptized, to get married, and even hear regular masses,” said the councilor.

It was not the first time that Tuvilla’s “surly” behavior became public. On July 2014, residents of Barangay Dalid in Sta. Barbara also called for his ouster, after he interrupted a funeral service ministered by his assistant parish priest, Fr. Alfone Marie Berbegal, on July 19.

In 2011, the Archdiocese of Jaro investigated Tuvilla and another priest, due to complaints from the Dingle municipal government, based on reports that he did not finish a requiem mass when the wife of the deceased did not stop from wailing.

Other parishioners also complained about his “snooty attitude,” and refusal to baptize children of unwed parents. The results of the investigations on these previous cases were, however, not made public. (FREEMAN)