'Lalabas o hindi?': Cainta priest goes viral for losing composure in sending away vendors from church premises
A priest from a church in Cainta, Rizal went viral for losing his composure as he sent away vendors who were selling palm fronds within the premises.
In a 41-second video taken at the grounds of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, the priest can be heard telling the vendors to do their business outside the church.
"Sa labas! Sa labas! Lalabas o hindi?" he said.
As one of the vendors insisted on staying, even noting that they had been there ever since, the priest appeared to have lost his composure.
"Wala akong pakialam kung matagal na. Labas. Wala akong pakialam. Labas! Tumawag kayo ng magpapalabas dito. Kanina ko pang umaga sinabi na wala rito sa loob," he said in a louder voice.
Some Facebook users and pages that reposted the video criticized the priest for his reactions.
"MakaDiyos pero parang 'di na ata makatao 'yan. HB (high blood) ka po masyado father," a page said.
"Father, akala ba namin maunawain kayo? Ipalagay na natin mali 'yung vendor pero por Dios por Santo, 'wag naman ganyan ang pag-uugali niyo," a user said.
Others, meanwhile, understood why the priest did what he did.
"Kawawa naman si Padre, mababash pa. Hindi nakakaintindi na compound ng church, gagawing tindahan. Pwede naman sa labas ng gate at gilid, bakit sa loob pa?" a user said.
"Diyan kami kinasal kahapon, siya mismo nag-interview sa amin bago kami ikasal at mabait siya," another one said. "Gaya ng nasa vid, 'Kanina pa sinabi na wala dito sa loob,' ibig sabihin, makulit talaga yung mga tindera."
"Hirap kasi sa mga tao ngayon ayaw sumunod sa rules. Kapag napupuno sa inyo pavictim kayo," a social media user wrote. "Tao lang 'yang Pari, pinagsabihan na kayo."
CBCP official reacts
A Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines official told DZBB that it would be unfair to judge the priest based on such a short video without context.
Jerome Secillano, CBCP Commission on Public Affairs executive secretary, said he would give the priest the benefit of the doubt.
“It’s possible that it escalated to that point because the priest had repeatedly asked nicely," Secillano said. "Some people can really be stubborn. How long should you be expected to stay calm?”
He noted that an investigation wouldn't be necessary as it's just a minor incident which was amplified by social media.
"What’s clear here is that the priests know how to conduct themselves. It’s not like they would just storm in and confront people right away,” Secillano said.
Ultimately, he reminded vendors to stop selling goods within church premises.
'Incomplete, one-sided'
St. Francis of Assisi Parish, meanwhile, in a statement posted on Facebook, said it deems it "necessary to provide clarity and guidance during this moment of concern."
"First and foremost, we acknowledge that the video portrays a painful and unsettling scene," the parish said. "We express our sincere sorrow to the faithful who have been hurt, confused, or troubled by its content, especially during this sacred celebration of Palm Sunday. We understand the pain it may have caused to many who hold the Church and its ministers close to their hearts."
The parish pointed out that the video is "incomplete and one-sided as it omits the events that transpired prior to what was captured and shared."
It explained that earlier that morning, parish officials had already made a "respectful and clear appeal to all vendors to refrain from selling within the private vicinity of the church, out of reverence for the sacredness of the space and in observance of parish regulations."
"Despite this, a confrontation ensued during which inappropriate language was first directed at the priest," the parish said, noting that the said part "regrettably, was not included in the shared footage."
Stressing that it doesn't condone any act of anger from any party especially in church grounds, the parish asked the faithful "to view the matter with understanding and fairness, considering the full context."
It said it sought the assistance of police to ensure that the protocols and boundaries set by the parish are "observed respectfully by all."
The parish asked the public to stop sharing the video, saying it doesn't reflect the complete picture and may cause further confusion or division.
"Instead, let us use this moment to pray for healing, unity, and peace in our community," it said. "Let us not allow a moment of tension to overshadow the grace of this Holy Week, a time when Jesus Himself faced misunderstanding, betrayal, and suffering and responded with love and mercy."
The parish said the matter is being "handled internally with prudence, pastoral care, and a commitment to truth and reconciliation."
"In the spirit of transparency, respect, and healing, we are open to continued dialogue and pastoral accompaniment for those who have concerns," it said. "Let us move forward together with calm hearts, anchored in prayer and forgiveness, as we journey with Christ toward the hope of His Resurrection."
