THE Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines dismissed reports that they endorsed 10 senatorial candidates for the 2019 midterm election, calling it “fake news”.

“News is circulating that the CBCP has endorsed a number of senatorial candidates (10 names). This is PURE FAKE NEWS!” Abp. Romulo G. Valles, DD, CBCP President said in a statement issued Friday, May 10.

Valles said that CBCP has not endorsed any aspiring politicians contrary to reports, adding that they will remain apolitical.

He also said, “Absolutely not true! Bishops and priests are not allowed to do that! That is clearly partisan politics. I repeat: The CBCP did not make any such endorsement!”

Vallez, meanwhile, reminded the public to be discerning and vote for the right candidate whom he earlier said should have a primary concern on the common good and not their political interest.

He already asserted earlier that the CBCP will not endorse candidates.

“The CBCP continues to appeal to all Filipinos: Vote wisely in the coming elections! Let us continue to pray to the Lord for a peaceful, credible and honest election!” the statement added.

Earlier, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas (LAIKO) a group of Catholic believers, endorsed all the Otso Diretso senatorial bets and two other for the upcoming 2019 poll.