MANILA, Feb. 9, 2010—A real pro-life and pro-family candidate would also be non-corrupt, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) clarified Tuesday.

Fr. Melvin Castro denied reports quoting him of telling the public that one can vote for any anti-reproductive health bill candidate even if that politician is corrupt.

“While we maintain and affirm the highest importance of the sanctity of life and the family, it is not to neglect other issues affecting Philippine society,” he said.

Castro is the executive secretary of the CBCP’s Commission on Family and Life which is at the forefront of the church’s campaign against RH bill.

According to him, the church never sees any conflict between family and life values and the other moral issues.

“Instead, consistency with family and life principles would mean good governance, leaders whose vision is for the good of family and hence, non-corrupt leaders,” said Castro.

The CBCP earlier has issued “election guidelines” discouraging the Catholic flock from voting anyone who supports artificial family planning.

The bishops said voters who would elect pro-RH bill candidates would become willing accomplices to “evil”. (Roy Lagarde)