MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded the public to spend money on charity instead of going to costume parties.

Ozamiz Bishop Martin Jumoad told Radyo Veritas that attending Halloween parties will not benefit a person’s faith. He said Filipinos should instead help typhoon survivors and other people who are in need.

Jumaod said people should share their resources, especially since it is the Year of Mercy for those who are Catholic. “Cancel your Halloween parties and divert your money in helping the poor, those who are affected by the typhoon ‘Lawin’ and ‘Karen’ in Batanes and in Northern Luzon,” he said.

Reacting to Jumaod’s statement, CBCP president Socrates Villegas said the Ozamiz bishop does not speak for the entire CBCP. “The Catholic bishops of the Philippines want to maintain our profitable investments in the stock market,” he said, ” charity can wait.”