A video capturing a heated confrontation between a priest and several palm vendors outside a church, according to some commenters, the incident allegedly took place in Cainta, Rizal, has gone viral, sparking mixed reactions from the public as Holy Week begins.
The now-trending footage shows the priest angrily scolding and ordering vendors to leave the church compound. The incident reportedly took place early Palm Sunday morning, a day when many Filipino Catholics traditionally purchase palm fronds, or palaspas, to bring to Mass for blessing.
Eyewitnesses claim that the priest had already informed the vendors ahead of time that selling within the church premises was prohibited. “They were warned this morning,” said one churchgoer. “But some of them refused to follow the rules. It’s a matter of discipline.”
Some social media users sided with the priest, emphasizing the importance of respecting church guidelines. “Filipinos lack discipline sometimes,” one comment read. “If you’re told not to sell in the compound, don’t force your way in. They were informed ahead, but some vendors were still stubborn.”
However, others criticized the priest’s reaction, saying that while the vendors may have been in the wrong, how the situation was handled was inappropriate for a religious leader. “Even if the vendors were at fault, the priest should not have shouted at them like that,” one netizen commented. “It was shocking to see such anger coming from a man of God.”
The video, which has garnered thousands of shares and reactions, has ignited a broader discussion on social media about discipline, respect for church authority, and compassion, especially during Holy Week, a time of reflection and humility in the Christian calendar.
Some netizens called for understanding on both sides, noting that many vendors rely on Palm Sunday sales for their livelihood. “Yes, rules must be followed,” one user said, “but maybe there was a better way to address the issue without causing a public scene.”
As of now, the church has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
The viral confrontation highlights the tension that can arise between tradition, livelihood, and religious discipline—and the importance of compassion and communication in resolving such conflicts peacefully.
True. Selling on sacred ground is prohibited and needs to be addressed. They (vendors) were already advised earlier. Matigas lng tlga mga ulo. Kng livelihood nman paguusapan, they can still sell their wares outside the church premises. D nman cla pinagbabawal magtinda bsta outside lng. As for the scolding, tao lng nman dn ung pari but still he should have spoken in a more lowered tone. And i can hear some vendors arguing their case. Ung mali gagawing tama? Pinipilit nila sarili nila. Cno hindi mawawalan ng pasenxa?
can you imagine your reaction when Jesus vented his wrath to the vendors in the premises of the temple?
but today, the people were prewarned. yet they chose to ignore the warning.
so, can we fault Law Enforcers or policy enforcers when they lose their cool vs hard-headed pipol?
parin na yan….