Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula urged the public to consider carefully who they will vote for in the upcoming national and local elections next year.
Advincula said it is necessary to assess the position of each candidate with regards to respect for human dignity, common good, social justice and societal charity.
The prelate said that the Filipinos should discern who to vote for by also looking at the candidate's characteristics and track record.
"Pananawagan ko’y bumuo tayo ng ‘Circles of Discernment’ upang marinig at masunod natin ang Banal na Kalooban ng Diyos (I call on the people to form their 'Circles of Discernment' so that we can hear and follow the will of God)," said Advincula during an interview over Church-run Radyo Veritas.
"Panalangin ko rin ay pumasok tayo sa isang masusing pag-aaral ng mga programa at plataporma ng bawat kandidato, suriin at balikan natin ang ating kasaysayan at matuto sa mga aral nito (I also pray that we go into a deep assessment of each candidate's programs and platforms, examine and review our history and learn from it),” he added.
Among the notable aspirants for the presidency include Vice President Leni Robredo, former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos; senators Manny Pacquiao, Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, and Christopher “Bong” Go; former defense chief Norberto Gonzales, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno, and labor leader Leody De Guzman.
For the vice president position, notable aspirants include Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, House Deputy Speaker Lito Atienza, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, former lawmaker Walden Bello, and physician Willie Ong.