Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales has called on his priests to help the electorate discern the right candidates in the coming polls.

The Cardinal in a pastoral letter released to Church-run Radio Veritas 846 said priests should guide the laity so they may choose the right candidate who will help solve the country’s problem on graft and corruption and poverty.

Said candidate, he said, must not only have integrity but should also be of good moral character, God-fearing, compassionate, humble, respects life and has no vices.

Rosales said priests as well as the laity and community leaders should help organize a “group of discerning people” in the different parishes or communities.

“Discussions and sharing should be encouraged by priests towards the common good, especially the poor,” he said.

“In the process and at the end of the discernment, prayer should always accompany the choice of person for leadership,” added Rosales.

He then appealed to the Filipino people not only to be responsible voters but also to use their conscience when they cast their vote on May 10.

“Every vote is a choice of what should be good for the country, and not simply for the advantage of a privileged few. Every vote is a choice of conscience and therefore one that is not influenced by money and other forms of threat or deceit.” Rosales said.