CLAIM: A wave of Facebook comments claimed that a 2022 presidential candidate was being praised and worshipped by the faithful after pictures of Filipinos staging the annual “Kalbaryo ng Maralita” from Katipunan went viral.
A Facebook page of a newspaper on Tuesday shared pictures of Filipinos holding palm fronds and carrying crosses with pink sashes. A priest was also pictured carrying a cross.
The post was captioned with the following:
“Fr. Robert Reyes led the ‘Kalbaryo ng Maralita’ at the Leni-Kiko headquarters in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday.”
Among those who commented claimed that the photographed Filipinos were worshipping Vice President Leni Robredo, a presidential bet in the 2022 elections.
Some users also questioned the use of pink ribbons on the palm leaves and the pink cloth on the cross.
“That pink ribbon on the palm leaves, it really leaves a bad taste. Though this thing will never let me waiver my faith as a Catholic, it definitely leaves me wondering if the self-proclaimed righteous leaders of the church in this country are on their right senses. Instead of letting them lead prayers for us, maybe it is time for us ordinary Catholics to lead praying for them,” a Facebook user said.
Rating
Majority of the claims are misleading and the viral post wherein some Facebook users have commented lacked context.
Facts
The “Kalbaryo ng Maralita” translates to “Cavalry of the Poor.”
The movement is an annual protest which uses the traditions and symbols of Holy Week to depict the everyday struggle of the urban poor for better lives.
Urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) holds the Lent-themed protest every year when they condemn anti-poor policies and social issues that Filipinos are currently facing.
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