The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Monday urged Filipinos to be more discerning when voting in the May 10 elections and told the public “not to hesitate to engage in principled partisan politics” by supporting candidates who strive for the common good.

The CBCP came out with the position in a pastoral letter issued during its 100th General Assembly at the Pius XII Center on UN Ave. in Paco, Manila.

“In this situation, we urge once more all Filipinos to form circles of discernment so that they can see, judge, and act together on issues of public concern according to moral values.

“Moreover, we remind once again the Catholic laity that it is their right and duty to support candidates who are qualified and have a record of striving for the common good. They should not hesitate to engage in principled, partisan politics,” the CBCP said.

The two-day plenary Assembly attended by the Church’s decision-makers also urged candidates to do away with lies, particularly by destroying their opponent’s credibility in order to win.

The CBCP said candidates must start “serving the nation by being honest and sincere in educating the people on the situation of our country in their campaign.”

“They should not campaign to manipulate the perceptions of the people, but to help them to make good choices for the sake of the country. They are to present their platforms and convictions rather than attack others,” said the pastoral letter.

The pastoral letter written by Nereo P. Ochimar, CBCP President and Tandag City bishop, also told voters not to believe in survey results or political advertisements when choosing candidates.

He emphasized that the criteria for choosing good leaders have been laid out by previous pastoral letters and following the dictates of one’s conscience is a powerful guide in voting for the right candidate in the May 10 polls.

“Do not be swayed by survey results or political advertisements. Follow the dictates of your conscience after a prayerful and collective period of discernment. Winnability is not at all a criterion for voting! The vote you cast will be a vote for the good of your country and your children’s future,” the letter said.

The CBCP said the electorate must be well-educated in using the automated election system, adding that election authorities must prepare “fallback positions” that can be readily used should glitches occur in the computerized voting system.