After being mocked by running in a league far from his own, Ang Kapatiran standard bearer JC delos Reyes got a surprise support from two catholic bishop.
Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra resigned from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) before throwing their support for delos Reyes.
The two bishops broke tradition by endorsing a candidate for president but the two however seems solve in doing so.
“I guess it’s time for us to come out,” Navarra said. “It’s really a matter of conscience this time. That is what my conscience is telling me so I will stand for what I believe is right.” Told cbcpnews.com.
Navarra said that he is endorsing delos reyes to be “consistent” with his advocacy for good governance and to eliminate graft and corruption.
Navvarra however explained that Delos Reyes winability is slim as showed in the latest survey but he would still support him.
“There’s no vote that is wasted on a candidate you believe could bring real change, whether he wins or not,” he said.
The Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the resignation and endorsement of the two bishop.
In a text message to Subictimes.com Delos Reyes thanked the two bishop for their support for his candidacy and Ang Kapatiran as a whole.
“In behalf of the party I am humbled, happy and highly encourage. This is a long awaited affirmation of the plenary council of the Philippines, concretely this means both clergy and laity must be involved in the area of politics when moral and gospel values are at stake.” He said.
De los Reyes said the rare endorsements by the bishops will spur them to work harder in a bid to win the top government posts.
He further explained that the bishops’ affirmation of what Ang Kapatiran are doing to introduce a prophetic politics of personal and social transformation of the our country, in a holistic and integral manner, gives them encouragement to continue fighting the good fight.
“This is the best incentive for all of us in Ang Kapatiran to work harder to evangelize and reform politics.” Delos Reyes added.
In the city two members of Ang Kapatiran will be running for councilors, Jonathan De Castro and Samuel Matias.
“Originally there were four of us, but the two backed out due to financial problems” De Castro said.
