THE Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa called for a “fair presentation” of both pros and cons of the proposal to divide Palawan into three separate provinces so voters will be able to make right decision on the issue.
Bishop Socrates C. Mesiona, the Vicar Apostolic of Puerto Princesa, issued the statement before the conduct of the plebiscite on March 13, 2021, for the ratification of Republic Act (RA) 11259, or the “An Act Dividing the Province of Palawan Into Three (3) Provinces, Namely: Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur.”
Mesiona addressed the appeal to the media and government “so the public will be able to have informed and principled decision on the matter.”
The bishop said beginning last year, they already encouraged parishes in Palawan to conduct town-hall meetings so those in favor and against the division of province could present their position.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-National Secretariat for Social Action (CBCP-NASSA) expressed its concern over the possible impact of the division of Palawan into three separate provinces to its environment and indigenous communities.
“We are one with the civil society organizations, the local Catholic Churches in Taytay and Puerto Princesa, and the people of Palawan, in the call to re-examine the scientific, cultural and moral foundations of the law, above all economic and political gains of the proponents and their business allies,” CBCP-NASSA Vice Chairman Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza said.
For its part, the provincial government of Palawan backed the separation that, it said, would allow local government units (LGU) to better micro-manage services for constituents.
Despite their reservation on the intent of division of Palawan into separate provinces, Church officials said they respect the conduct of the plebiscite and urged the government to ensure all voters in Palawan would be able to participate despite the risks of contracting the coronavirus disease of 2019 (Covid-19).
“We urge the government to ensure the integrity, fairness, transparency, utmost observance of health protocols in the conduct of the plebiscite, and that electoral violations will be avoided,” Caritas Philippines Executive Secretary Antonio E. Labiao said.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/02/08/catholic-bishop-seeks-fairness-in-palawan-vote/
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