San Jose, Antique- Gov. Sally Z. Perez political rival’s attempt to agitate the religious people to rise in protest against the governor’s Christmas message pasted on the Bible gifts she gave to the inmates and barangay officials failed to gain support and die a natural death.

            Bea Abadiano, the head of the translation team that translated and spearhead the completion of the complete New Testament in Kinaray-a, urged a united prayer for Gov. Perez among her fellow faithful in the Protestant churches .

            “My only concern is that Gov. Perez spirit is not dampened by these attacks against her. I wish there are yet others who with their benevolent hearts can help in the free distribution of the Bible in Antique’s own tongue. “

            Abadiano said that after hearing about the alleged disapproval of other individuals in the sticking of the governor’s picture and message in the loose leaf of the Bible, she prayerfully contemplated on the merits and demerits of the matter.

            “Personally, I didn’t see how a benevolent donor’s picture with her wishes/greetings can rob the sincere-hearted person’s desire to read God’s Word. How strong is her message that can it can overwhelm the powerful message of the word of God?”

            The Cuyunon head translation team who replaced her late husband, Ted, in the translation work commissioned by the Translators Association of the Philippines (TAP). She said, Perez does not in any manner altered the true meaning of the translation or ask permission from the publisher, the Philippine Bible Society, because she only bought copies of the completed and already published material for distribution. As such she could write a dedication and sign her name to the recipient. In this case, Perez, as governor attached her wishes and greetings for the readers.

            Some in the translation team still remembered the time when they presented the finished book, the gospel of John to Cong. Javier in his San Fernando residence.       “The congressman didn’t show unusual interest then in the translated work as he passed the book to the barangay captains who were present for a meeting and he was in a hurry to discuss things with the barangay officials. “

            Perez who gave support to the translation work until its launching in September last year, promised that she will help in the free distribution to those who cannot afford. The subsidized cost of the Bible is 80 pesos but could be much higher in commercial bookstore.

            At least three broadcasters allied to Cong, Exequiel B. Javier have been taking the Bible gift giving as a major political issue against Perez for weeks alleging that the pasting of the g

            Broadcaster Roger Tamon hit Perez of “altering the true meaning of the Bible content” and using government funds in funding the free distribution.

            Roming Antonio alleged that “the clergies took offense of the governor’s picture and added that Perez will be charged with the case of blasphemy.”  But, he did not mention any name and no meeting with the clergies took place as he alleged as of press time.

            Ely Suyom repeated the same issues in his radio program Sentimiento saying that Perez is “bastardizing” the Bible.

            “The governor took the criticisms light-heartedly saying that many “liked my picture because I am pretty. But to those who did not it, you can tear it out and keep reading the Bible.”    

            The Provincial Treasurer’s Office denied any knowledge of Bible procurement and gave doubt on how the item be justified it being a religious item.