FACT CHECK: Poong Nazareno dressed in pink in support of VP Leni Robredo’s presidential candidacy #FactsFirstPH

Rating: FALSE

The Facts: In a post by Uniteam Bataan on Thursday at 9:17 A.M., a replica of the Black Nazarene (Poóng Itím na Nazareno) is shown fitted in a bright pink gown for the procession this Good Friday, April 15, as part of the Holy Week traditions of the country’s Catholic majority.

Uniteam Bataan’s post has garnered roughly 1,700 likes and 2,200 shares as of Friday, 10:30 A.M.

In an interview last Wednesday, The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) reminded candidates that no campaigning shall take place in observance of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/…/no-campaigning-on…).

Transgressing this mandate is an electoral offense that can warrant disqualification. The post’s caption: “Poong Nazareno binihisan ng “Pink” na damit,” insinuates that the garb is the work of VP Robredo’s team and/or supporters as a campaign strategy (https://www.facebook.com/…/a.100608725…/127843159834372/).

This is false.

The image originates from a tweet by Twitter user @ZorenDC, who posted the picture last March 29, 2021 captioned: “ang tanga nung nagsabi ng Fashion of Christ daw minus 50 ligtas points .” (https://twitter.com/zorendc/status/1376474169659990017…).

The image depicts a replica of Christ carrying the Cross, rather than the Black Nazarene itself. The tweet is clearly intended for humorous purposes only, and does not reference anything regarding the Robredo candidacy. It should also be noted that VP Robredo has yet to announce her presidential bid for the 2022 national elections during this time.

After two years of lockdown restrictions, Easter traditions return to commemorate this year’s Holy Week.

The Black Nazarene icon, enshrined in the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila, is brought out in procession for three occasions every year, including every Good Friday. It is one of the most venerated icons of Filipino Christians, with over a million devotees flocking to Manila to celebrate the Feast of the Black Nazarene annually.