Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Church stays out of poll-backing
THE Cagayan Archdiocese reiterates anew the call of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) not to endorse any candidate either local or national in the coming elections.
Archbishop Monsignor Antonio Ledesma said this over a television network interview, noting that while the church would retain its apolitical stance, it will not abandon its role to ensure social justice.
"We are placing our faith and confidence in the Filipino people's discernment and ability to choose candidates that it deems would best serve their interests," Ledesma said.
Earlier, Archdiocese vicar-general Monsignor Rey Monsanto said the Church wants to keep out of politics but would remain active in voter education through groups such as the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
The Church, along with other academe and civil society groups, had previously been in the forefront to campaign against Charter change last year.
Local and national candidates have sought support from the Church for their re-election bids or campaigns, though it is only the Catholic charismatic group El Shaddai that came close to publicly endorsing candidates in the elections.
However, El Shaddai founder Bro. Mike Velarde reiterated that their group is not endorsing any candidate but is merely setting guidelines for those running in the May elections.
Other religious groups like the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) group of Bro. Eddie Villanueva admitted that they are also being courted for support by national candidates. (Stephen Capillas)
