Around 27 Catholic lay organizations in Bacolod back Robredo, Pangilinan

Lay leaders in the Diocese of Bacolod sign a joint declaration of support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. (CARLA GOMEZ/INQUIRER VISAYAS)

BACOLOD CITY — At least 27 lay organizations of the Diocese of Bacolod have declared their support for the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday, April 25.

Bobby Magalona, lay leader of the Community of Families for Christ-Gawad Kalinga, said this is the first time that the lay organizations have united to come up with a declaration of support for candidates.

“This is very significant and very historic,” he said during a press conference at the John Paul II Hall of the Redemptorist Shrine in Bacolod City.

The lay organizations, in their joint statement, said the results of the May 9 elections will determine what will happen to the country and the future of children.

“The choice of leaders in these elections will be crucial in deciding our fate as a sovereign and democratic country,” they said.

They called on each community to go through a discernment process and to be guided by the truth and not be deceived by propaganda, disinformation, revision of facts and all forms of lies.

The group said Robredo and Pangilinan met their criteria of leaders who are God-fearing, show godly values, and value the Filipino family, Magalona said.

“We ask our lay faithful to learn, listen and support our Catholic Church social teachings and guidelines regarding our national and local issues, including our Church leaders’ stand on our elections,” they said.

READ: 3 more Catholic lay organizations endorse Robredo’s presidential bid