DESPITE being criticized for meddling in politics in Albay, Bishop Joel 'Bong' Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi City defended his action at the 'Dasal para kay Rosal' prayer rally on Saturday, where he publicly appealed for the reversal of the Comelec's disqualification order on Gov. Noel Rosal.

Detractors of Rosal slammed the prelate's actions, citing the separation of the church and the state. But Baylon cited Saint Paul's letter, saying 'we used to believe that the church is just inside the church. The church needs to take a stand as politics has a moral component.'