MANILA (UCAN): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) denied accusations made by presidential candidate, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., that they were is meddling in politics.
Marcos was miffed by a recent pastoral letter reminding people not to vote for candidates who try to distort history [Sunday Examiner, March 6].
A pastoral letter, released by the bishops for the upcoming polls, was seen as criticising Marcos Jr. for whitewashing abuses committed by his late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The CBCP said, “We wish to warn you of the radical distortions in the history of martial law and the People Power Revolution [of 1986]” adding that many still remember the injustices of the martial law years, they added, “[We know] what truly happened during that time as opposed to all the disinformation and revisionism being circulated on social media that’s becoming a factor in choosing our leader in the upcoming election.”
The letter urged, “Let us diligently seek the truth that we may do what is right and avoid evil,” adding, “An election or any process that is not based on truth is but a deception and cannot be trusted.”
In the battle against evil, injustice and lies, the Church has always been brave in expressing her stand—she is against evil, she is not neutral
Father Secillano
It said, “Remember: goodness without truth is pretense. Service without truth is manipulation. There can be no justice without truth. Even charity, without truth, is only sentimentalism.”
Marcos’ spokesperson, Victor Rodriguez, claimed, “While presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos is calling for unity, we are saddened by the men and women of the Catholic [Church] who are doing the exact opposite and have abused the pulpit, allowing it to become a platform for hateful and negative campaigning.”
He called on clergymen to stop issuing “reckless” statements that could divide rather than unite Filipino Catholics.
“As men and women of the cloth, they should be more circumspect, refrain from openly meddling in politics and stop making reckless imputations or statements that only serve as a spiritual, moral, social and cultural poison,” Rodriguez added.
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Responding on March 6, Father Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP public affairs committee, told The Inquirer, “We see clearly that the Church only wishes to speak the truth. Truth is not invented but rather attested to by historical records and documents.”
Rodriguez was called out for double standards given the recent endorsement of Marcos Jr. by Mike Velarde, the leader of El Shaddai, a charismatic lay group.
“Ironically, when their camp received the endorsement of a lay religious leader, they did not complain,” Father Secillano pointed out.
He stressed that the Catholic Church has never been partisan yet remained not neutral in speaking about gospel-oriented principles and values.
“In the battle against evil, injustice and lies, the Church has always been brave in expressing her stand—she is against evil, she is not neutral,” Father Secillano added.
Ironically, when their camp received the endorsement of a lay religious leader, they did not complain
Father Secillano
He said the Church’s loyalty was for truth and for the people, not specific candidates.
“Being non-partisan means her loyalty is neither with the candidate nor with any political party. It is with the people, she should always be for the people,” he added.
He noted that many are trying to muddle this distinction and are using the Church to advance their agenda to get it to support their candidate.
“It is hypocritical to say that their candidate is the only best hope for the people. I say, let the people decide who to them is the best after being guided, formed and informed through a process of discernment,” Father Secillano said.
“Right now, the Church should continue forming consciences for a mature political exercise but leave the endorsement to the lay faithful. To be neither neutral nor partisan, our principle is clear: no to incompetent, unjust and self-serving politicians. No to thieves and liars too!” he said.
On February 24, the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines released a statement urging people to “… choose the candidates who respect our ability to decide based on truth, and who gives us the power to do so” [Sunday Examiner, March 6].
It said, “Let us reject candidates who continue to exploit us through lies in order to get our votes. Let us not put into power those who clearly have vested interests: those who have a record of protecting oligarchs and the interests of the few.”
