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In 2010, cultural activist and tour guide Carlos Celdran dressed up as Crisostomo Ibarra — the lead character in Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere — and held up a placard with the word “Damaso” in front of several bishops inside the Manila Cathedral to protest the Church’s stance against a bill on reproductive health.
“Now, Celdran’s camp said they have received reports that his petition to overturn a trial court decision for supposedly offending religious beliefs has been denied by the Court of Appeals,” reports Ira Pedrasa on ABS-CBNnews.com.
The report noted: “Celdran was earlier convicted by a Manila court for his ‘Damaso move’ because it supposedly ‘offended religious beliefs,’ as provided under Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code.”
In a post on Twitter and Facebook, Celdran has asked Pope Francis to “have a word” with Filipino bishops.
Celdran wrote: “Dear #PopeFrancisPH #Pontifex My name is Carlos Celdran and I am a citizen of the #Philippines and a Catholic. Today, I received news that my legal appeal was denied. I am one step closer to being incarcerated for the crime of “offending the religious feelings” of Filipino bishops back in September 30, 2010 (article 133 of Philippine Penal Code). Please have a word with the bishops of the Philippines. Truth be told, I don’t mind going to jail. I only wish that your message of forgiveness, reason, and tolerance finally reaches their hearts and their minds,” he said.
Celdran has also posted his official statement about the latest development on his “Damaso case.” He said: “It saddens me to hear this decision upholding my conviction for ‘Offending Religious Feelings.’ I’m sad not only for my case in particular, but for the Philippines as well. This conviction is just a symptom of a larger disease. There is a bigger picture of corruption and patronage in the Philippine justice system. We need to address these issues if ever we are to move forward as a people. This case will now be elevated to the Supreme Court to question the law itself and hopefully have Article 133 removed from the Penal Code altogether. This archaic law which which suppresses freedom of speech has no place in modern Philippine society. The timing of this decision couldn’t be more poignant as well. Hopefully The Papal visit will highlight Pope Francis’ sincere agenda of seeking true social justice. May his visit inspire reflection within the CBCP and all Filipinos. #whoamitojudge #damaso #popefrancis2015.”
The report added that “Celdran’s counsel, Atty. Harry Roque, said he will bring the case to the Supreme Court.”
“CA’s denial of Celdran’s appeal is a big blow against freedom of expression. It legitimized lest majeste vs Catholic Church,” he said.
Without any intervention, though, Celdran is facing a minimum sentence of two months and 21 days and a maximum sentence of a little over one year (1 year + 1 month and 11 days, to be exact).
Photo: Carlos Celdran’s Facebook page
