MANILA, Philippines –On May 1, the Council of Bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) issued an official statement on their endorsement. In their statement entitled ‘Choosing the Best Option for the People,’ the Protestant church declared the Leni-Kiko tandem as their choice.
The UCCP bishops said their decision was a result of “collective discernment, which may be used for moral guidance.” They underlined that the final decision is still up to the individual.
In accordance with Robredo and Pangilinan’s “pro-people agenda” the UCCP bishops also endorsed the following senatorial candidates.
- Risa Hontiveros
- Teddy Baguilat
- Jejomar Binay
- Neri Colmenares
- Leila de Lima
- Chel Diokno
- Luke Espiritu
- Sonny Matula
- Alex Lacson
- Elmer Bong Labog
“As a Church, we were among the first religious groups that denounced the proclamation and ill-effects of martial law in 1972. We were among those that [accompanied] the struggle of the people in calling for the lifting of martial law and emphasized the Church’s Declaration of Principles and faith imperatives in its opposition to oppressive and repressive laws imposed by the dictatorship,” the bishops said.
The UCCP was formed in 1948 after the union of Protestant churches in the Philippines. They are known for their liberal stance regarding social and political issues.