Home News Philippine bishop tells politicians to stop peddling ‘fake news’

Philippine bishop tells politicians to stop peddling ‘fake news’

“Candidates should turn away from disinformation or fake news, deception and slander whether against other candidates or to promote themselves”

The head of the social action arm of the Philippine Catholic bishops’ conference called on candidates in this year’s national elections to stop peddling “fake news” during their campaign.

“Candidates should turn away from disinformation or fake news, deception and slander whether against other candidates or to promote themselves,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo.

In an interview over Radio Veritas 846 on April 18, the prelate urged candidate to “express truth and honesty and strive for excellence particularly in programs they are proposing.”



“They should draw strength and guidance from God to sustain them in public service, these are the best expression of love for God and for others,” he said.

Bishop Bagaforo reminded candidates that truth is the most beautiful form of service.

“We call on all political candidates to evaluate their words and deeds against the call to repent of malicious and wicked ways and to uphold sincerity and truth, to return to God and His ways and to rely on God for strength and renewal,” said the prelate.

The bishop, who is also lead convenor of faith-based coalition for clean elections, said truth and honesty should be shown by the candidates in presenting their platforms.

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“We reminded (everyone) that the positions they are vying for are not positions of power and privilege but of service,” said Bishop Bagaforo.

He said public servants are “God’s instruments to minister to the people and not lord it over them,” adding that “malice, wickedness, corruption and self-interest should have no place in public service.”

Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

Meanwhile, a candidate for the vice presidential race said on April 19 that the Church “plays an important role in debunking disinformation and fake news.”

Former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan told members of the Catholic clergy in the province of Zambales that the Church “must stand against fake news.”

Pangilinan made the call noting that there are more parishes in the country than local government units, “so the Church has a leverage.”

The candidate said the spread of fake news started even before the campaigns for the May 9 elections “to mislead and condition the minds of people to believe a narrative that runs counter to what is truthful.”

Father Ian Maniago, parish priest of San Sebastian in the town of San Narciso, said the Church is already doing its part in addressing disinformation.

The priest said the Church will continue to take a stand, “especially now that there is a threat against democracy.”

He said that although some parishioners react negatively when Church leaders express their position on moral issues, the institution will not back down “because it is part of the creed to spread the word of God even if it offends sensibilities.”

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