Panlilio Urges CBCP to Endorse Candidates

MANILA, June 15, 2009-Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio called on the Catholic bishops' leadership Monday to endorse specific candidates in the coming 2010 presidential elections.

Panlilio, a suspended Catholic priest, said it is about time for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to be effective in giving political advice.

He said naming specific "model" candidates would surely make a difference than just telling the voters to "vote wisely."

"I believe that the most the CBCP can do is to present certain candidates as good based on their track records, on their personal knowledge," Panlilio said over Church-run Radyo Veritas.

The suspended priest also urged other church institutions like the Catholic Educators' Association of the Philippines (CEAP) to help voters choose the right candidates.

Panlilio is reportedly one of those eyeing to be country's next president but is yet to make a formal announcement.

He earlier said that he is still in a stage of personal discernment before deciding on whether to join the national polls or not.

The CBCP has repeatedly stressed that it will only issue criteria to guide people in voting but will never endorse any candidates.

Last March, El Shaddai Catholic charismatic movement leader Bro. Mike Velarde also expressed openness to the idea of throwing his hat in the 2010 presidential race.

Velarde, though, said he will only run for president if he manages to get the endorsement of the CBCP. (Roy Lagarde)