Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia urged the public not to politicize the annual Traslacion in Quiapo, noting the sanctity of the religious event must be upheld.
Drawing millions annually, the event reenacts the transfer or “traslacion” of the Black Nazarene statue, believed to be miraculous, from its original location in Intramuros, Manila, to its current home at the Minor Basilica or Quiapo Church in 1787.
“A holy event such as the Traslacion should not be politicized, even if it happens outside the campaign period or before anyone officially becomes a candidate,” Garcia said over the weekend.
Garcia said the ritual should remain a time for reflection and spiritual renewal, reminding candidates to confine their campaigning within the period prescribed by law.
“This is a brief moment to let the faithful reflect and renew their devotion. Those who desecrate this sacred day may find forgiveness easy to grant in the present, but their actions will not be easily forgotten when election time comes,” he added.
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