Kalookan bishop blesses lay group's endorsement of Leni, Kiko

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David has given his "blessing" to a local lay group endorsing presidential aspirant Leni Robredo and her running mate Kiko Pangilinan.

The endorsement comes from the Kalookan Laity for Principled Politics (KLAPP), a group of lay leaders from various sectors within the Diocese of Kalookan's coverage area.

KLAPP arrived at their decision after a process of "collective discernment" and "consensus building."

Bishop David, who also serves as the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), expressed gratitude for their initiative, stating, "You, my dear laity, you have my blessing and I thank the Lord that you have taken this initiative because in the realm of politics, you are the frontliners."

The group submitted to David their decision to support Robredo, her running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan, and all the senatorial candidates under her slate.

David said the country's political situation calls the laity to be actively involved not just in efforts for clean and orderly elections but also the promotion of principled politics.

He stressed the need for laypeople to also "help the candidates who represent principled politics and who will promote the common good in our society."