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
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Bishop_Teodoro_Bacani_gives_the_homily_2024-05-31.jpg/220px-Bishop_Teodoro_Bacani_gives_the_homily_2024-05-31.jpg)
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]
External links
Media related to Teodoro C. Bacani, Jr. at Wikimedia Commons
References
- ^ "Bishop Teodoro Cruz Bacani, Jr". Catholic-Hierarchy. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- ^ Rufo, Aries (June 6, 2013). "The fall of the rising star". Rappler. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- ^ a b c "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.
- ^ a b 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 15, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
- ^ Diaz, Jess (August 4, 2006). "Bishop Bacani joins impeachment complaints". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 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.