“The Church plays an important role in debunking disinformation and fake news,” said vice presidential candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan in a meeting with members of the Catholic clergy in the province of Zambales on Tuesday.
“The Church does not necessarily have to campaign for us, but they must stand against fake news,” said the former senator who is running under the banner of Vice President Leni Robredo in the coming elections.
Pangilinan made the call noting that there are more parishes in the country than local government units, “so the Church has a leverage.”
The candidate said the spread of fake news started even before the campaigns for the May 9 elections “to mislead and condition the minds of people to believe a narrative that runs counter to what is truthful.”
Father Ian Maniago, parish priest of San Sebastian in the town of San Narciso, said the Church is already doing its part in addressing disinformation.
The priest said the Church will continue to take a stand, “especially now that there is a threat against democracy.”
“Dapat lang talaga maayos ang pagkaka-explain ng separation of Church and State,” said Father Maniago.
He said that although some parishioners react negatively when Church leaders express their its position on moral issues, the institution will not back down “because it is part of the creed to spread the word of God even if it offends sensibilities.”
“Ngayon kapag nagsabi ka sa pulpito ng anything about pagnanakaw at pagsisinungaling, marami kaagad nag-rereact,” he said.
“Ang sa amin naman, ni-revise na nga nila iyong history pati ba naman 10 commandments gusto pa nilang i-revise?” the priest added in jest.
Father Maniago told Pangilinan during the meeting that the endorsement of ordinary people of the senator’s candidacy, “speaks volume about his character.”
“Why wait to be endorsed by politicians if you are endorsed by ordinary Filipinos like the farmers?” said the priest, adding that it is “a strong message na tumitindig at tumataya ang ordinaryong mamamayan.”
