Traslacion ng Jesus Nazareno 

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections issued a warning against individuals who would “politicize” the celebration of the “Traslacion ng Jesus Nazareno” this coming January. 

The Traslacion ng Nazareno or the Feast of Jesus Nazarene is the annual celebration of the transfer of the Black Nazarene, a 17th century image of Jesus Christ carrying his cross from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church held every 9th of January every year. 

The annual event packs millions of Catholic devotees filling the streets of Manila every procession. 

Over the weekend, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the religious event should not be politicized by political aspirants since campaign season has not started yet. 

“Pinapaalala lang po ng aming en banc lalo na ng aming Chairman na sa darating na January 9, Traslacion ng Nazareno, sana ho ‘yung ating mga candidates who are not yet candidates, maalala na huwag nating gamitin yung mga ganitong religious event and occasions sa pamumulitika,” Comelec Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr. told the media on Monday. 

Maceda said aspirants however can provide assistance to the devotees but the event should not be used to campaign. 

“Kung gusto niyo hong tumulong, siyempre lahat tayo pwede tumulong, lahat tayo pwede makiisa. Nasa sa inyo na ho yun kung gusto niyo ilabas later on yung inyong pag tulong. Pero huwag niyo gagawing pagkakataon na dumami ang basura, dumami yung mga T-shirt na may mukha ninyo imbis na yung mukha ng Nazareno. It’s not a political occasion, it’s a religious occasion,” Maceda said. 

In a text message to the media, Garcia said whoever would attempt to use the religious event for campaigning would pay the price come elections. 

“Isang araw lang naman ito kung ihahambing sa siyamnapu o apatnapu’t limang araw na pangangampanya. Madaling palipasin at patawarin ang maglalaspastangan sa  araw na ito subalit mahirap makalimutan pagdating ng halalan,”