Remulla on officials’ papal visit tarps in Cavite: We should not doubt their sincerity

Cavite Governor Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla on Wednesday defended local officials whose names were featured in a huge tarpaulin in Bacoor City welcoming Pope Francis to the Philippines.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Remulla said the public should not doubt the officials' sincerity.

"It's their call. I don't think we should doubt their sincerity," he said. "Personally, I am refraining from engaging in matters of faith and specially the pontiff's visit."

However, when asked if he will order the removal of the tarpaulin, he said: "I can't do that. I can't impose my values on them. I can only impose the laws. They haven't violated anything."

A photo sent by YouScooper Rey Refran Wednesday morning showed the tarpaulin placed under two giant billboards in Bacoor City in Cavite.

The photo showed the tarp dwarfing passenger jeepneys parked under the billboard structure.

It contained an image of the pope with the message "WELCOME Pope Francis," along with the names of Bacoor and Cavite officials including Mayor Strike Revilla and Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla.

GMA News Online tried to contact Mercado-Revilla, who was unavailable for comment.

Earlier in November, organizers of the Pope Francis' visit called on the country's politicians to refrain from using the event to promote themselves before the Holy Father and the public. — BM, GMA News