The Diocese of Bacolod yesterday named six senatorial candidates who, it said, the faithful should not support for being “anti-life”, and six others who should be supported for being “pro life”.

The Diocese of Bacolod issued the public statement on the eve of the Feast of the Chair of Peter and the arrival of the Team PNoy senatorial candidates in Bacolod City today.

A giant tarp calling for a conscience vote, and identifying pro and anti-life politicians, now hangs in front of the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City.

The diocese said the six candidates for senator belonging to the anti-life, or “Team Patay”, for voting in favor of the Reproductive Health Law, are Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, Jack Enrile, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel and Teddy Casiño.

“These people should not have our support,” the statement said.

The six senatorial candidates it identified as pro-life or as members of “Team Buhay” for voting against the RH Law are Joseph Victor Ejercito-Estrada, Antonio Trillanes, Gregorio Honasan, Mitos Magsaysay, Koko Pimentel and Cynthia Villar.

“These people should have our most wholehearted support,” the statement said (full text on page 6).

The Diocese of Bacolod has examined and determined the RH Law as being anti-life, anti-morals, anti-family, anti-marriage, and contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church, the statement said.

“We call on the Catholic faithful and all Christians: Stand in your faith, especially during this year of faith! Be strong! Be bold! Our faith is not negotiable! Let us deliver a very strong message to the government: No to death! Yes to life!,” the statement added.

The statement was approved by Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra and the clergy of the diocese in a meeting yesterday afternoon, Fr. Felix Pasquin, rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral, said.*CPG

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