CBCP to Release Guidelines for 2010 Voters

MANILA, Nov. 20, 2009- The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is set to release guidelines for Catholic voters on how to choose their candidates in the 2010 elections.

Initiated by the CBCP's Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL), the guidelines will stress the church's position on family and life issues.

Fr. Melvin Castro, ECFL executive secretary, said the "catechism for Catholic electorate" will also deal specifically on the controversial Reproductive Health bill in Congress.

"We believe it is necessary for our voters to be guided by the Church through the Commission on Family and Life," he said.

Fr. Castro said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that the voters, especially the young ones, would choose the right candidates who will lead the nation

It will be launched, he added, during national gathering of the ECFL's directors and lay coordinators on Nov.30 at the St. Michael Retreat House in Antipolo City.

This year's national conference with an appropriate theme "The Family Serving the Church and Society," will end on Dec. 3.

Antipolo Bishop Gabriel V. Reyes is set to lead the opening liturgy.

ECFL chairman and San Fernando Archbishop Paciano B. Aniceto said he expects most ecclesial provinces will be represented in their national convention.

The Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams is expected to address the delegates. (Melo M. Acuna)