Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo and running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan (PNA file photo)
MANILA – A local laity group in Oriental Mindoro has expressed their support to the tandem of presidential candidate, Vice President Leni Robredo, and her running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan in the May 9 polls.
In a statement Wednesday, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Apostoliko Bikaryato ng Calapan (Council of the Laity of Calapan) said the decision was also in support of the earlier pronouncement of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas backing the tandem's candidacy.
“Therefore, the Sangguniang Laiko ng Apostoliko Bikaryato ng Calapan (Council of the Laity of Calapan) convened a meeting on February 26, 2022. After thorough discussion, prayer, and meditation by the laity-servants from approximately forty (40) parishes, chaplaincies and mission areas, we have reached an agreement in support of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas,” said the group’s president Alquin Rayos.
Rayos said their endorsement of the tandem is the result of the "sincere belief that they can lift our current situation and reclaim our dignity as an independent nation."
At the same time, the group said they welcome the laity from all communities under the jurisdiction of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan, to actively engage in the May 9 polls.
“However, our appreciation of each individual’s personal freedom and right to choose will remain in the coming election,” he added.
On Tuesday, the Lipa Archdiocesan Council of the Laity also endorsed Robredo as their presidential bet after consultations with their officials and members.
"We, the Lipa Archdiocesan Council of the Laity, after having undergone a process of discernment through a series of meetings, dialogues, and consultations among the officers and members, arrived at the decision of endorsing presidential candidate, Maria Leonor 'Leni' Gerona Robredo in the coming May 9, 2022 national election," they said in a statement.
Aside from the laity in Calapan and Lipa, some church-based groups such as Couples for Christ and the Pari Madre Misyonero Para Kay Leni endorsed Robredo's presidential bid. (PNA)
