Teodoro Bacani Jr.
Teodoro Cruz Bacani Jr. (born 16 January 1940) is a Filipino prelate of the Catholic Church and a professed member of the Dominican Order, who become the first bishop of Novaliches on 7 December 2002 until 25 November 2003, He previously served as Auxiliary Bishop of Manila from 1984 to 2002.
Teodoro Bacani Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches | |
![]() Bishop Bacani, circa 2019. | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Diocese | Novaliches |
| Appointed | December 7, 2002 |
| In office | January 16, 2003 – November 25, 2003 |
| Predecessor | Position established |
| Successor | Antonio Tobias |
| Other post(s) | Spiritual advisor of El Shaddai (2003–) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | December 25, 1965 |
| Consecration | April 12, 1984 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Teodoro Cruz Bacani Jr. January 16, 1940 |
| Previous post(s) | Auxiliary Bishop of Manila (1984–2002) |
| Coat of arms | ![]() |
Career
Bacani was a former dean and professor in theology at the San Carlos Seminary.[1] He served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila for 18 years.[2] He is also the spiritual advisor of the El Shaddai charismatic group.[3]
Following the creation of the Diocese of Novaliches in December 7, 2002 by Pope John Paul II, Bacani was appointed as its first bishop.[4] He was appointed as bishop of the diocese on January 16, 2003, on his 63rd birthday.[2] In April 2003, Bacani was accused of sexually harassing his 33-year old personal secretary. He denied the allegations but admitted to making "inappropriate expression of affection" to her.[5] He was backed by the diocese and El Shaddai who expressed confidence in Bacani.[6] He resigned from the position in November 25, 2003.[2]
On August 15, 2019 Bacani joined the Order of Preachers.[7]
Political involvement
Bacani was among the critics of the administration of former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos.[6] He was among the framers of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.[8]
Bacani was critical of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III which he says is just used as a means for bribery. He alleged the DAP was used to bribe senators so that Renato Corona could be impeached.[9]
Bacani also oppose the purchase of contraceptives by the Philippine government which he believes is detrimental.[10]
Bacani joined other members of the clergy in condemning the war on drugs of President Rodrigo Duterte.[11][12]
For the 2022 presidential elections, Bacani disavowed El Shaddai leader's Mike Velarde's endorsement of then-candidate Bongbong Marcos's campaign. While he maintain he respect's Velarde's position, he called the endorsement as "very wrong" pointing out the reputation of the Marcos family's corruption.[13]
References
- Rufo, Aries (June 6, 2013). "The fall of the rising star". Rappler. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- "Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Teodoro Bacani". UCA News. Union of Catholic Asian News. November 25, 2003. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- Shaw, Kathy (August 22, 2003). "Bacani returns to El Shaddai mass". Poynter. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- Samonte, Severino (August 30, 2019). "Diocese of Novaliches gets its 3rd bishop". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- Aravilla, Jose (November 26, 2003). "Vatican accepts Bacani resignation". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- Aravilla, Jose (June 16, 2003). "Novaliches priests see Bacani acquittal". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- Aquino, Leslie Ann (October 6, 2020). "Retired Bishop Bacani now part of Dominican family". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- Baroña, Franco Jose C.; Cueto, Francis Earl; Tolentino, Maria Reina Leanne (August 15, 2022). "FVR helped restore democracy – bishop". Manila Times. Archived from the original on August 3, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- Franche-Borja, Doris (October 4, 2013). "New 'evil' ang DAP – Obispo". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- Franche-Borja, Doris (September 9, 2011). "Pondo sa contraceptives pinababantayan". Pilipino Star Ngayon. The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- Romero, Alexis (January 25, 2017). "Panelo says Duterte free to express opinion vs Catholic Church". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- So, Levi (January 25, 2017). "Bishop Bacani to Duterte: We serve at the pope's pleasure, not yours". The Philippine Star. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- "El Shaddai adviser disowns Marcos endorsement: Don't vote for Marcos". Rappler. February 14, 2022. Retrieved January 28, 2023.

