SAN FRANCISCO, California (The Adobo Chronicles, San Francisco Bureau) – It is a weird Filipino tradition during the Holy Week — Filipino men flagellating themselves as penitence for their past wrongdoings. It is a tradition that has withstood many decades, despite the fact that the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines frowns on it.

Well, that tradition seems to have taken roots in San Francisco, California. Men and women flagellating themselves year-round, leading up to the annual Folsom Street Fair where BDSM (bondage, discipline/domination, sadism and masochism) goes on public display.

Although the Folsom Street Fair is months away, reports have it that ex-Comelec Chair Andy Bautista who is accused of hiding in the U.S. to escape an arrest warrant and charges of unexplained wealth, was sighted flagellating himself on Maundy Thursday at the corner of Folsom and Seventh Streets.

Is Bautista finally coming to terms with Jesus, repenting for his sins and finally deciding to return to the Philippines to face the charges against him?

Or is it just an excuse to give way to his leather fetish?