MANILA, Philippines – There’s no room for epals, not during the papal visit.
Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma did not mince his words on Tuesday, January 13, when asked about politicians who would try to grab the spotlight during the papal visit.
“Mainam po na sa pagdalaw ng Santo Papa ang pangunahing pokus, ang sentral na atensyon ay matutuon mismo sa Mahal na Santo Papa at ‘yung ibang mga naghahangad na maging prominente din ang pagkakilala sa kanila, mas mainam siguro na pumili na lang sila ng ibang okasyon,” he said.
(It is best that during the visit of the Pope, the primary focus, the central attention is on the beloved Pope. And to those aspiring to also be prominent, it is best for them to just choose a different occasion for it.)
Coloma’s statements come after netizens posted photos of tarpaulins welcoming the Pope, with faces and names of politicians. Government officials who have tried to take the spotlight during significant events have earned a moniker – epal – from the public.
DON'T #ShowThePope @rapplerdotcom
RT @chinogaston: Politician sponsored billboard welcoming Pope in Tacloban pic.twitter.com/1JALIBymcb"
The arrival of Pope Francis will be the first papal visit in 20 years. He is scheduled to arrive on Thursday, January 15 and depart on Monday, January 19.
The Palace could not say which VIP government officials would be attending the pope’s public mass on Sunday at Quirino grandstand, although it confirmed President Benigno Aquino III would attend the celebration.
Meanwhile, the Palace said it would release the total amount spent by the government for the papal visit once available. Coloma gave assurances however that the cost would be “just and reasonable,” an amount not far from what is usually spent on diplomatic visits.
He also said the total cost would reflect the values of the Pope himself on simplicity. – Rappler.com
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