Aspiring president Vice President Leni Robredo called as "insult" to Church the insinuations that she is using the Church to boost her presidential bid.
"Masyado naman yata yung insulto sa simbahan (I think that's too much insult to the Church)," Robredo said Friday, March 4.
"Tingin ko, ang simbahan hindi naman magpapagamit. Yung simbahan mas matatag na institusyon ito kaysa sa aming mga politiko. Hindi sila magpapagamit dahil lang sa inclination nila sa isang politiko (I think the Church will never let itself be used. The Church is a stronger institution than politicians. They won't allow the Church to be used just because of their inclination for a politician)," Robredo added.
The Vice President made the statement over claims from one of her presidential rivals that she is using the Church to bolster her political standing.
She also believes that the Church is now more active "because they know what is at stake" in the May 9 elections.
"Hindi na lang ito pagkampi sa politiko pero 'yung moralidad natin bilang isang bansa, nakataya dito. Kaya, ang paniniwala ko kaya tumataya sila ngayon dahil doon (This is not just about taking the side of a politician but the morality of our country is at stake here. I believe they are fighting for this now)," Robredo said.
The presidential aspirant also stressed that her visits to parishes have "very defined" intention and that is to get the help of the religious sector to make them an able partner in fighting disinformation.
She said "this is no longer about the candidate you are supporting in the elections" but this is already a fight to ensure that the elections will not be decided by false information.
"And we need all the help we can get, yung simbahan meron syang makinarya on the ground. Meron siyang parishes na ito yung makakatulong sa atin para wasakin yung mga kasinungalingan na pinapakalat (the Church has machinery on the ground. It has parishes that can help us end the lies that are being spread)," Robredo said.
Robredo added that aside from the Church, all other organizations must be tapped to join the fight against disinformation.
Earlier, her camp also clarified that her meeting with parishes are not campaign events and are held solely for conversation and prayer.
READ MORE: Meetings with parishes 'not campaign events' — Robredo camp