A retired Catholic prelate called on Filipinos to continue the search for truth ahead of this year’s national elections.
Bishop-Emeritus Teodoro Bacani Jr. of Novaliches said politicians these days are not only using “guns, goons and gold” to court votes but also technology, especially social media, to spread lies.
‘‘Kapagkaganyan, hindi na ang ‘will of the people’ ang nangyayari,” said the prelate over Church-run Radio Veritas 846.
“At tandaan natin ‘yan, if the will of the people is not accomplished, not fulfilled, then ang mangyayari niyan e hindi na rin will of God ang maboboto kapag dinaan sa panlilinlang,” added Bishop Bacani.
“Hindi natin masasabi na ang kandidatong nanalo sa pamamagitan ng panlilinlang ay ginawa ng Diyos, binigyan ng Diyos ng kapangyarihan,” he said.
A group of Catholic faithful earlier issued a statement defending allegations that Church leaders allowed Vice President Leni Robredo to use church facilities for her campaign.
Father Fran Villegas, coordinator of the Catholic Faith Defenders, said the meeting between Church leaders and Robredo at the Good Shepherd Cathedral in the Diocese of Novaliches last week was “a dialogue with the priests, religious, and lay faithful.”
“The conversation revolved around the need to be united in our quest for the good of the Filipinos and in our fight against lies, fake news,” said the priest in a radio interview.
He said the meeting did not violate any Church laws but was consistent with the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines for priests to play an active role in educating voters.
“It was a call to actively live our faith in the context of the world today. It was a challenge to stand strong in our commitment to the good and the true,” said Father Villegas, adding that it can be viewed “in line with the exercise of worship, piety, and religion.”
