Manila: An official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) emphasized on Friday that the Church's pastoral statements are intended to guide the public rather than criticize politicians, addressing what it perceives as concerning developments within the government.

According to Philippines News agency, Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP-Public Affairs Office, clarified that the recent statements concerning the abrupt change in Senate leadership were not meant to cast elected officials in a negative light. Instead, the Church aims to help Filipinos gain a clearer understanding of the situation.

In a recent interview with Radyo Pilipinas, Secillano explained, "Well, the Catholic Church did not release such statements to criticize politicians but to show the people that there are things happening that are no longer appropriate, that no longer suit the sense of decency and sense of morality [and] ethical sense."

Secillano further remarked that the Church's role is to provide guidance to its congregation, especially in times of potential confusion. "So these are things that we also need to explain to the people... this is not a type of political statement. What the Church is doing is guiding the flock because it may be possible that the flock is confused," he said.

He pointed out that the current political atmosphere seems to be more reflective of partisan politics rather than governance centered on public service. "This is not politics to serve the nation or the citizens, it is being used to defend or support whoever they are affiliated with," he added.

The discussion gained momentum following a strongly worded pastoral letter by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, a former CBCP president. The letter criticized the Senate for the sudden change in leadership, where Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano unseated Sen. Vicente Sotto III. Villegas expressed his disapproval, describing the event as "obscene" and questioning the integrity of those involved.

"It is obscene. It is unbelievable that men and women called 'honorable' could do such a brazen exercise of power," Villegas stated in the letter. "It is confusing. It is unbelievable. It is pathetic. It is disgusting. It is shameless. How did we reach this low level of public service?" he continued.