Leni-Kiko tandem backed by over 250 priests, nuns, religious leaders of Cebu archdiocese

Cebuano priests pose for photo-ops as they formally endorse the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo and the vice-presidential bid of her running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan, on Thursday, May 5, 2022. (Photo courtesy of PMML-Cebu)

CEBU CITY — At least 92 priests of the Archdiocese of Cebu on Thursday openly endorsed the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo and the vice-presidential bid of her running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan.

This is the first time a number of priests endorsed specific candidates unlike in previous elections when they simply released guidelines to help voters select good leaders.

“We view the coming May 9 elections as not just one ordinary electoral exercise. It has become the battle for the soul of our beloved country. It is a fight not just between political personalities,” a statement from the Padre Madre Misyonero for Leni (PMML) read.

“Rather, we are asked to decide whether we want a government guided by the rule of law and respect for our cherished freedoms or do we want to continue the gradual, though evident, diminution of our liberties. Do we continue to be like the proverbial frog swimming in a pot of slowly boiling water (CBCP, July 2020), or do we jump out of the pot especially now that an opportunity presents itself?”

The group said they are painfully aware of the dangers of the Catholic Church becoming power brokers.

“But times are extremely abnormal and we believe that silence in front of a possible return of a lamented past is even more dangerous. Since the reign of God should be reflected in all aspects of our lives, we believe that it is part of our prophetic calling to denounce the disinformation and historical revisionism that now accompany the attempt to return to power by the family that has destroyed democratic institutions and pillaged the country,” they said.

The 92 archdiocesan priests were joined by 167 nuns, religious leaders, and consecrated persons of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Before presenting their statement, the group held a Holy Mass at the Archdiocesan Shrine of the Our Lady of Guadalupe in Cebu City.

Robredo’s daughter, Dr. Tricia Robredo, was also present during the activity.

The group described Robredo and Pangilinan further as the two candidates who “embody integrity and concern for the marginalized, which the Church has always advocated.”

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