On grievances vs priests; Church: File formal complaint

CEBU, Philippines — In light of complaints against parish priests sent to media organizations by concerned parishioners, the Archdiocese of Cebu underscored that parishioners should instead render a formal written complaint addressed to the Church so that they can act on it.

The FREEMAN has been receiving complaint letters from concerned parishioners detailing alleged un-Christian practices of some priests.

Sought for comment, Monsignor Joseph Tan, media liaison officer of the Archdiocese of Cebu, pointed out that it is better for parishioners to direct their concerns to the right authority rather than spread rumors and accusations.

“Please make it a formal complaint… Dili sumbong, hunghung,” he said.

He said the local Church leader, Archbishop Jose Palma, can never respond to complaints and issues based on hearsay.

If not directly to the prelate, Tan added that the complaints may also be addressed to Palma’s deputies, Monsignor Vicente Rey Penagunda and Monsignor Daniel Sanico.

“I advise these people nga pakigkita-i si Monsignor Rey or Monsignor Danny, either of the two,” he said.

Penagunda can be found at the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in Cebu City, while Sanico serves as the team moderator of the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City.

Tan said people must formally lodge complaints and sentiments against the clergy so Church leaders may be made aware and act accordingly.

“There has to be a formal investigation especially if it entails serious offense,” he said, adding that the concerned party also has the right to defend himself.

He said it is better if there is a written document narrating the complaint and its underlying circumstances to serve as evidence.

He said that for formal complaints at least one signature may do and that there’s no need for the parishioners to hold a signature campaign.

Tan wanted to emphasize that things have changed now and Church officials had become more open on addressing the complaints of the Catholic faithful.

“We always look at it head on and look into it whether the accusation is true because it is also for the good of the people,” he said. (FREEMAN)