MANILA, Philippines—Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales on Monday celebrated mass at the Sta. Cruz church in Manila for the candidates of the fledgling Ang Kapatiran Party (Brotherhood Party) led by its presidential candidate John Carlos "JC" de los Angeles.

Party founder Nandy Pacheco said his group asked Catholic Church leaders to bless them before their candidates file their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections on Monday.

With Rosales were Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias.

Ang Kapatiran says it seeks to restore morality in government service and declares its party principles to be based on their Catholic faith.

Comelec has set the period from November 20 to December 1, 2009 for the filing of certificates of candidacies nationwide.