Palma “blessed” Team Rama

CEBU, Philippines - As local campaign kicks off a week from now, a political party sought the blessing of Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

Members of Team Rama were spotted attending the mass on the first feast of San Pedro Calungsod at the archdiocesan shrine officiated by Palma.

The group was led by party chairman Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who was seated next to his cousin and congressional aspirant Annabelle Rama at the second row from the altar.

After the mass, the two followed Palma to a room behind the altar and had a brief closed-door talk with the prelate.

“We just said hello. We greeted him lang a happy fiesta. Things were very good and we had a very nice mass,” Rama told The FREEMAN.

Asked whether his entire slate was around, he said all were urged but he could not confirm their complete attendance.

“They’re being encouraged to come. I saw them but I do not know whether all are here,” the mayor added.

Also seen at the shrine were his runningmate Councilor Edgar Labella as well as council hopefuls Boobi Kintanar and Tisha “Inday Tikay” Ylaya, among others.

Palma confirmed blessing the two Ramas, saying every candidate is welcome to seek the church’s prayers.

“People do that. They come and ask for prayers. And as a priest, a bishop I do that. Everyone asks for a blessing and we always do that. I mean, we bless people young and old, children and old people, boys and girls, everybody,” he told reporters after coming out from the room shortly after the two candidates came out.

The CBCP president emphasized that Team Rama was not the only party that he has blessed.

“Many politicians approach us, almost all parties, all walks of life. They come. They do that to profess their belief that we are priests, we are bishops and we pray for everyone. At least man lang for a peaceful elections,” he added.  (FREEMAN)