The Diocese of Kalookan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) have denied a fake letter circulating online claiming that Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David is endorsing specific senatorial candidates for the May 12 midterm elections.
In a statement released Saturday, the Diocese clarified that the letter, supposedly signed by Cardinal David and bearing the CBCP letterhead, is not genuine.
“The letter circulating online claiming to be from the CBCP or Cardinal Ambo is NOT TRUE. Neither the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) nor Cardinal Pablo Virgilio ‘Ambo’ David is endorsing any political candidates for the May 12 elections,” the advisory stated.
The Diocese also called on the public to verify information before sharing and to avoid spreading false content.
“Please verify information before sharing. Let’s all be responsible and help stop the spread of disinformation,” the statement added.
The fake letter listed 12 names, including Ronald Dela Rosa, Bong Go, Imee Marcos, Manny Pacquiao, and Bam Aquino, as the supposed endorsed candidates.
CBCP Secretary General Msgr. Bernardo Pantin issued a separate reminder to voters, emphasizing the Church’s non-partisan position.
“The Church does not endorse specific candidates. It only offers guidelines to help the faithful make informed choices based on moral and social teachings. If names of candidates are mentioned in supposed Church endorsements, consider them false or misleading,” he said.