Declare Vidal’s funeral a holiday in Cebu, Rody asked

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas has called on President Duterte to declare a holiday in Cebu on Oct. 26 for the funeral of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.

In a statement, Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino said the declaration would allow residents to pay their last respects to the cardinal.

Dino said he relayed the request along with the endorsements of the Cebu provincial government and Cebu City council to the Office of the President through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Friday.

“I am looking forward a positive response from Malacañang,” Dino said.

Joseph Tan, media liaison officer of the Cebu archdiocese, welcomed the “thoughtfulness...for...Cardinal Vidal.”

The Cebu City council is set to pass a resolution declaring a day of mourning on Oct.26.

Vidal’s remains were transferred to the Shrine of the San Pedro Calungsod yesterday, which coincided with the fifth anniversary of the canonization of St. Pedro Calungsod.

Vidal will buried in a mausoleum at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral at around 9 a.m. – May Miasco, Jean Marvette Demecillo/ The Freeman