Following a viral video showing a heated exchange between a priest and a vendor, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has reminded the public that selling within church premises is not allowed.
In the video, the priest from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Cainta, Rizal, is seen telling a vendor to leave the church grounds, repeatedly saying “sa labas” in a raised voice. The confrontation drew criticism online, with one caption stating, “Makadiyos pero parang ‘di na ata makatao ‘yan…”
CBCP Commission on Public Affairs Executive Secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano urged the public to avoid quick judgment. “It’s possible that it escalated to that point because the priest had repeatedly asked nicely. Some people can really be stubborn. How long should you be expected to stay calm?” he told DZBB in an interview.
He clarified that vendors are not banned from selling altogether, only within the church compound. “Hindi naman naiiba ang simbahan. May mga panununtunan din,” he said.
The parish later issued a statement calling the video “incomplete and one-sided,” expressing regret to those affected and disturbed, particularly since the footage circulated on Palm Sunday. They emphasized that prior to the confrontation, church officials had already politely asked vendors to refrain from selling inside the sacred grounds.
“While we do not condone any act of anger from any party… we also ask the faithful to view the matter with understanding and fairness, considering the full context,” the statement read.
Fr. Secillano said no investigation is necessary, calling it a minor incident that only gained traction because it went viral. “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,” he added.
The parish concluded by asking the faithful not to let the incident “overshadow the grace of this Holy Week” and affirmed its openness to dialogue and pastoral care for those affected.
