CBCP opposes LTFRB order on removal of rosaries, religious figurines on vehicle dashboards

The LTFRB said that rosaries and small figurines are among those vehicles’ dashboards or windshields should be cleared of as they can also hinder road vision when driving. (Photo: maria alejandra<3/ Flickr)

MANILA— An official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines-Public Affairs Committee (CBCP-PAC) has opposed the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) disallowing rosaries and small figurines in dashboards or windshields of vehicles.

According to CBCP-PAC Executive Secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano, banning of religious and display items in cars has nothing to do with the issue of road safety such as the prohibition to use mobile phones.

“We agree with the banning of the use of phones while driving. But the LTFRB is absolutely missing the point by prohibiting the display of small religious images in cars,” he said.

The Catholic priest noted that mechanical problems, drivers’ ignorance and recklessness are the main causes of problems on the road.

“The agency is focusing on these small details but have not effectively acted on the more pressing and more serious threats,” Secillano added.

With this, he said the authorities should focus in banning old cars in the streets, disciplining abusive drivers, making car operators accountable for accidents, and wiping out colorum public utility vehicles.

The LTFRB said that rosaries and small figurines are among those vehicles’ dashboards or windshields should be cleared of as they can also hinder road vision when driving.

It is stated in the the Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 of the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office.

Filipino Catholics place rosaries hanging from rear view mirrors inside their vehicles and display figurines of saints and other religious articles in their dashboards, believing that these will protect them against any harm while on the road.