Priest suspended in dispute over Tondo Church

MANILA, Philippines – The Archdiocese of Manila on Wednesday suspended a priest who was reportedly involved in an altercation with a bishop at a church in Tondo, Manila.

Father Alfonso Valeza of St. Joseph Parish in Gagalangin, Tondo, was also barred from exercising his priesthood because he had “persistently defied” Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula despite “orders and warnings”.

“He is forbidden to administer the sacraments. Any sacrament he administers is illicit,” the archdiocese said.

According to Father Reginald Malicdem, over the past two years Valeza has ignored orders requiring him to undergo therapy due to his “unstable personality.”

Valeza was videotaped arguing with former Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias.

Parishioners accused Tobias of attempting to strangle Valeza during a fracas in the parish office, allegedly on the same day the archdiocese issued its suspension order.

Valeza said the dispute with Tobias was about his exclusion from the congregation because of his accusations against corrupt priests.

However, the archdiocese said Valeza’s dismissal had nothing to do with the corruption allegations against him.

Valeza was replaced as parish administrator of Tondo Church by Malicdem, Father Nolan Que and Father Gilbert Kabigting.

The STAR tried to reach Valeza for comment, but parish officials said a meeting with the Archdiocese of Manila was planned.