Catholic lay movement endorses bets

CEBU, Philippines - Exactly a month before the casting of votes, the Catholic lay movement from the Archdiocese of Cebu revealed its list of endorsed candidates based on their participation on the controversial RH Law.

The movement, called Lay Initiative For Election (LIFE) 2013, is composed of several Catholic lay organizations from the entire archdiocese.

“We endorse only candidates who legislates laws in the upper and lower chambers. Many of our leaders requested that supporting local candidates is too divisive as many of our leaders are supporting many local candidates,” said Dr. Rene Bullecer of Human Life International.

All congressional slots were filled except for the Cebu City South District whose major contenders include lawyer Aristotle Batuhan and Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa.

Abellanosa earlier said that while he hoped he would get the movement's nod, he could do nothing but respect the group's decision should they opt for his opponent Batuhan.

Bullecer said the group is ready to reveal its endorsed South District candidate by next week.

As expected, strong Reproductive Health (RH) Law opposition leader Raul del Mar was listed.

Another ally of the group in terms of battling against the “anti-life” law at the Lower House, second district Congressman Pablo “Pabling” Garcia, was named along with his daughter suspended Governor Gwen Garcia who is running for congresswooman of the third district.

The youngest congressional aspirant to be endorsed by LIFE was Samsam Gullas who aspires the first district seat.

Fourth and fifth districts were shared by Benhur Salimbangon and Ace Durano respectively while Aileen Radaza was named for the sixth district.

On a national level, LIFE reiterated voting and campaigning for what is dubbed as “Team Buhay” including senatorial hopefuls Gringo Honasan, Antonio Trillanes, JV Ejercito, Nancy Binay, Mitos Magsaysay, Koko Pimentel, Dick Gordon, Cynthia Villar, Migz Zubiri, Christian Señeres, JC Delos Reyes, and Marwill Llasos.

Voters were meanwhile encouraged to support Buhay partylist, Ang Prolife, or ANAD Partylist.

On the other hand, candidates who pushed for the passage of RH Law were named “Team Patay.”

These include Jack Enrile, Teddy Casiño, Bam Aquino, Jamby Madrigal, Grace Poe, Loren Legarda, Chiz Escudero, Sonny Angara, Risa Hontiveros, Alan Peter Cayetano, Tingting Cojuangco, Ed Hagedorn, Ramon Montaño.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma earlier reiterated that this is an initiative of church workers and does not necessarily carry the sentiment of the entire Catholic Church because church officials are discouraged from participating in political matters.(FREEMAN)