Cebu Archdiocese steers clear of Palma-Rama campaign tarps

Local

THE Archdiocese of Cebu has publicly distanced itself from campaign materials showing Archbishop Jose Palma with dismissed Cebu City mayor Michael Rama, who is seeking reelection in the 2025 midterm elections.

Posters that have appeared in various parts of Cebu City, and are now circulating online, show Rama clasping both hands around Archbishop Palma’s right hand.

The photo bore texts that read “Thank you, Arch. Jose Palma,” with Rama’s name and his intended position for 2025 prominently displayed below.

In a statement on Wednesday night, May 8, 2025, the Archdiocese clarified that Palma has not endorsed any political candidate and did not authorize the use of his image for campaign purposes.

Church officials further stressed that the archbishop has not permitted any clergy member to campaign for or defend any candidate or political party during Mass or from the pulpit.

The Archdiocese has called for the immediate removal of the posters, warning that such materials may violate the Omnibus Election Code.

According to the Archdiocese, the use of the Archbishop’s image may influence parishioners, particularly voters in Cebu City, and could expose the Archbishop to legal consequences under Section 261(d) of the Code, which prohibits religious leaders from influencing voters.

It also raised concerns that the use of Palma's photo without his informed consent violates the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which requires explicit permission before personal data, including images, may be used for such purposes.

“These posters will indirectly influence parishioners across the Archdiocese of Cebu who can exercise their right of suffrage in Cebu City to vote for this particular candidate,” portion of the statement reads.

The statement from the Archdiocese, signed by its legal officer Atty. Rev. Fr. Domingo P. Delos Angeles, Jr. and approved by Archbishop Jose Palma, ended with a call for peaceful and honest elections on May 12, 2025.

As of Thursday, Michael Rama has yet to respond to the Archdiocese’s demand for the removal of the posters.(MyTVCebu)