Several Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Lipa and the Diocese of Malaybalay have expressed support for the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan.
A report on CBCP News said that in Lipa, 117 diocesan and religious priests who call themselves “Paring Batangas para kay Leni” said they “cannot allow evil to reign” in the country.
They said that their support for Robredo and Pangilinan is based on the belief that they are fully capable of steering the nation toward good governance.
The priests called on the faithful to pray and form “circles of discernment” to make a “moral choice” in the coming elections.
“We will also continue to lead and guide the people in praying for a peaceful, credible and meaningful election,” they added.
In Malaybalay, 54 priests and two retired bishops said their choice for Robredo and Pangilinan is guided by the Catholic social teachings.
“We believe that they best exemplify the criteria for good leaders who will accompany the people towards a sustainable future for our country,” they said.
The bishops who signed the statement were Bishop Emeritus Honest Pacana of Malaybalay and Bishop Emeritus Jose Manguiran of Dipolog.
Bishop Manguiran was a priest of Malaybalay when he was appointed bishop of Dipolog. He had been staying in Bukidnon province since his retirement.
