Ex-Lipa bishop claims face mask, shield not needed: ‘God’s love is enough’

Filipinos need not protect themselves from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by wearing face masks and shields because God’s love is all they need, Lipa Archbishop Emeritus Ramon Arguelles claimed in a homily.

According to Mariz Umali’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday, Arguelles made several statements not supported by science during a mass for the feast of St. Padre Pio.

“Hindi na kailangan ‘yang mask, hindi na kailangan ‘yang face shield, hindi na kailangan ‘yang distancing. Bakit? Mahal tayo ng Diyos at mahal natin Siya… He is the great healer. ‘Pag ang Diyos nasa atin, you don’t have to worry,” he said.

Contrary to Arguelles’ statement, several studies have shown that the wearing of face mask and shield coupled with social distancing translates to 99 percent protection from COVID-19.

The archbishop emeritus also took a swipe at the government’s restrictions on the number of mass goers allowed inside churches.

“Wika ng Panginoon, ‘Lumapit kayo sa akin.’ Sa panahong ito, sabi sa’tin, ‘Lumayo kayo kay San Padre Pio, lumayo kayo kay Hesus' kasi sinasara ang simbahan. Kaunti lang ang papasok ng simbahan… Social distancing. Ang saklap, ano po?” he said.

“Bawal daw ‘yung 21 years old and below at saka ‘yung matatandang katulad ko, 60 years old and above. Bakit? ‘Yung mga bata ang malalapit sa Diyos, ‘yung mga matatanda, malapit na sa Diyos. Ba’t natin ilalayo? Sino ang may kagagawan niyan? E di ang demonyo,” Arguelles added.

In an interview with GMA News, the former bishop stood by his controversial statements.

“Hindi solution ang face mask, especially exaggerated. Hindi solution ang social distancing. Lalo lang iikli ang buhay mo sapagkat nilalanghap mo sarili mong carbon dioxide. Dapat oxygen ang ating nilalanghap, no? Hindi ito ang real solution,” he insisted.

The World Health Organization has already debunked claims that wearing face masks causes carbon dioxide intoxication.

"Hindi ko naman sinasabing 'wag mag-social distancing ano, pero don't exaggerate parang 'yun na lang ang ultimate remedy na tayo ay maghiwa-hiwalay para tayo 'di magkasakit. In the end, they become lonely, nagpapakamatay. Ang talagang point ko dun eh 'yung dapat hindi isasara ang simbahan,” Arguelles said.

He also expressed fear that the Catholic faithful will lose their habit of regularly going to mass once the pandemic is over.

“Kahit magalit sa’kin ang lahat ng tao, sinasabi ko lang ‘yung totoo. Ang Diyos lamang ang ating pag-asa,” he maintained.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque called on Arguelles to “stick to [his] role in society.”

“Sana po gamitin na lang natin ang ating impluwensiya sa lipunan para tulungan ‘yung bayan na mabawasan ang kaso ng COVID-19,” Roque said

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), meanwhile, said it respects Arguelles’ personal reflection.

“Kinakailangan din naman nating mag-ingat… ‘Yun nga lang, dapat mapag-isip-isip din ng IATF na kailangan din naman talaga dito ng dasal,” CBCP spokesman Fr. Jerome Secillano said.—Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News