Teodoro Bacani Jr. Explained

Honorific-Prefix:The Most Reverend
Teodoro Bacani Jr.
Honorific-Suffix:OP, DD
Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches
Enthroned:January 16, 2003
Ended:November 25, 2003
Church:Catholic Church
Diocese:Novaliches
Appointed:December 7, 2002
Predecessor:Position established
Successor:Antonio Tobias
Ordination:December 21, 1965
Ordained By:Rufino Santos
Consecration:April 12, 1984
Other Post:Spiritual advisor of El Shaddai (2003–)
Previous Post:Auxiliary Bishop of Manila (1984–2002)
Titular Bishop of Gauriana (1984–2002)
Birth Name:Teodoro Cruz Bacani Jr.
Birth Date:January 16, 1940
Birth Place:Balanga, Bataan, Philippine Commonwealth
Coat Of Arms:Coat of arms of Teodoro Cruz Bacani, Jr.svg

Teodoro Cruz "Ted" Bacani Jr. (born January 16, 1940) is a Dominican, who became the first bishop of Novaliches on January 16, 2003, serving until November 25, 2003. He previously served as Auxiliary Bishop of Manila from 1984 to 2002.

Career

Bacani was ordained priest on December 21, 1965, in the Diocese of Iba in Zambales.[1] He was also a former dean and professor in theology at the San Carlos Seminary.[2] He served as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila and titular bishop of Gauriana from 1984 to 2002.[3] He is also the spiritual advisor of the El Shaddai charismatic group.[4]

Following the creation of the Diocese of Novaliches on December 7, 2002, by Pope John Paul II, Bacani was appointed as its first bishop.[5] He was appointed as bishop of the diocese on January 16, 2003, on his 63rd birthday.[3] 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.[6] He was backed by the diocese and El Shaddai who expressed confidence in Bacani.[7] He resigned from the position on November 25, 2003.[3]

On August 15, 2019, Bacani joined the Order of Preachers.[8]

Political involvement

Bacani was among the critics of the administration of former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos.[7] He was among the framers of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines.[9] Amidst the impeachment of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, he supported the "search for the truth" behind allegations that Arroyo cheated in the 2004 elections.[10]

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.[11]

Bacani also oppose the purchase of contraceptives by the Philippine government which he believes is detrimental.[12]

Bacani joined other members of the clergy in condemning the war on drugs of President Rodrigo Duterte.[13] [14]

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.[15]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bishop Teodoro Cruz Bacani, Jr.. Catholic-Hierarchy. June 27, 2023.
  2. News: Rufo . Aries . The fall of the rising star . January 28, 2023 . Rappler . June 6, 2013.
  3. News: Pope Accepts Resignation Of Bishop Teodoro Bacani . January 28, 2023 . UCA News . Union of Catholic Asian News . November 25, 2003 . en.
  4. News: Shaw . Kathy . Bacani returns to El Shaddai mass . January 28, 2023 . Poynter . August 22, 2003.
  5. News: Samonte . Severino . Diocese of Novaliches gets its 3rd bishop . January 27, 2023 . Philippine News Agency . August 30, 2019 . en.
  6. News: Aravilla . Jose . Vatican accepts Bacani resignation . January 28, 2023 . The Philippine Star . November 26, 2003.
  7. News: Aravilla . Jose . Novaliches priests see Bacani acquittal . January 28, 2023 . The Philippine Star . June 16, 2003.
  8. News: Aquino . Leslie Ann . Retired Bishop Bacani now part of Dominican family . January 27, 2023 . Manila Bulletin . October 6, 2020.
  9. News: Baroña . Franco Jose C. . Cueto . Francis Earl . Tolentino . Maria Reina Leanne . FVR helped restore democracy – bishop. January 27, 2023 . Manila Times . August 15, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220815112659/https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/03/news/national/fvr-helped-restore-democracy-bishop/1853124 . August 15, 2022 . en.
  10. News: Bishop Bacani joins impeachment complaints. Jess. Diaz. The Philippine Star. August 4, 2006. June 27, 2023.
  11. News: Franche-Borja . Doris . New 'evil' ang DAP – Obispo . January 28, 2023 . The Philippine Star . October 4, 2013.
  12. News: Franche-Borja . Doris . Pondo sa contraceptives pinababantayan . January 28, 2023 . Pilipino Star Ngayon . The Philippine Star . September 9, 2011.
  13. News: Romero . Alexis . Panelo says Duterte free to express opinion vs Catholic Church . January 28, 2023 . The Philippine Star . January 25, 2017.
  14. News: So . Levi . Bishop Bacani to Duterte: We serve at the pope's pleasure, not yours . January 28, 2023 . The Philippine Star . January 25, 2017.
  15. News: El Shaddai adviser disowns Marcos endorsement: Don't vote for Marcos . January 28, 2023 . Rappler . February 14, 2022.