CBCP welcomes pro-RH bets, but...

MANILA, Philippines - Some Catholic bishops yesterday said that they would welcome candidates who favor the Reproductive Health (RH) law if and when they knock on their dioceses’ doors during the campaign period.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) had been very vocal in its opposition to the RH bill, but some Catholic leaders said that they would still open their doors to candidates who seek their blessings.

“As a pastor, I welcome anyone who would ask for God’s blessings. I would also proclaim to him or her God’s teachings and that of His Church,” said Maasin, Leyte Bishop Precioso Cantillas.

But Cantillas said that his action should not be misconstrued as an endorsement.

“I always declare to my priests and the faithful that the Church does not endorse a candidate,” he said.

Former CBCP president Jaro, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo also said that he would welcome pro-RH candidates, but did not mention if he would give them his blessing.

“A courtesy welcome is due to a very courtesy visit,” said Lagdameo.

For his part, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said that the Church is non-partisan.

“We just admonish people to vote using some criteria (such as) checking the candidates’ moral values. Are they pro-God, pro-life and pro-environment?” he said.

For his part, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said that even a pro-RH candidate is still a child of God and a brother or sister to him.

“I can be very diplomatic and respectful toward him or her as a person. The visit is oftentimes a friendly visit,” Jumoad said.

On the other hand, there are also prelates who would not be bestowing their blessings on pro-RH candidates.

Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said, “Maybe as a person I will, but as a candidate, I certainly will not give my blessings to his or her candidacy because he or she is supporting a cause against the teachings of the Church.”

Lipa, Batangas Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said that he will not meet the pro-RH candidates.

“(But) I did not say they are not welcome,” he said.

Baguio Bishop Carlito Cenzon and Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes echoed the sentiments of Oliveros and Arguelles.