THE Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) denied appealing for the suspension of proclaiming senatorial winning candidates in the recent midterm polls.

In a statement, CBCP president Romulo Valles said the news circulating in the previous days are a hoax.

"The CBCP has not made a call or appeal or suggestion to suspend the proclamation of the winning senatorial candidates in our recent elections," Valles said.

"If that kind of news is circulating -- that the CBCP has made such a call -- that is again pure fake news!" the archbishop added.

The statement came after Fr. Edwin Gariguez, executive secretary of the CBCP-National Secretariat for Social Action (Nassa)/Caritas Philippines, earlier called for the suspension of the proclamation of the winning senatorial candidates due to several irregularities.

Gariguez, however, clarified that the suggestion was his own personal opinion and not of the CBCP or the Nassa/Caritas Philippines.

The CBCP also issued a statement last week, days before the Election Day, denying that the religious group is endorsing any candidate.

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