Church will not allow itself to be used – Robredo

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday denied insinuations that she is using the Catholic Church for her presidential bid.

“That is such an insult to the Church. I don’t think the Church will allow itself to be used,” she said in an interview in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

“The Church is an institution that is stronger than us politicians. They will not allow themselves to be used just because of the inclination of one politician,” she added in Filipino.

Robredo was responding to a question regarding allegations, most notably by the camp of her rival Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, that the Catholic Church is being used for her political campaign. Several images circulated online showing Robredo’s campaign materials inside churches.

In a statement, Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez said activities attended by the Vice President were organized by the parishes themselves.

“If the parish decided to offer their space, we trust that it is because VP Leni reflects their beliefs and principles,” he added in Filipino.

Robredo believes that the Church is more active during the ongoing campaign season because they know what is at stake. “This is not just siding with a politician, but because the morality of our nation is at stake,” she added.

The Vice President often meets with bishops, priests and other members of religious organizations during her campaign stops in different parts of the country.

“The reason for our visit to the Church is very defined. The main reason is that we want to ask for their help and work with us in our fight against disinformation,” she said.

“My belief is that this election is not just about your candidates, but our fight is to make sure that this election will not be decided based on false information,” she added.

Robredo recognized the machinery that the Church had to address the lies that are spreading online and on the ground.

“We are calling on not just the Catholic Church but all other organizations, whether religious or not, to join our fight. Even if they support other candidates, we all have the same problem when it comes to propaganda,” she said.

Robredo, her running mate Sen. Francis Pangilinan and some of their senatorial candidates were in Cavite on Friday to meet with supporters.

Over 1,000 educators from De La Salle schools across the country have released a statement of support for Robredo and Pangilinan in the upcoming elections.