ZAMBOANGA CITY – Some officials of the influential Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) are mulling the possibility of supporting, pro-life advocate, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza, if ever he intends to run in the 2010 national elections. In an interview during his recent visit here, Archbishop Ramon Arguelles, vice chairman of the CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Family and Life (ECFL), said that they will endorse what he stands for.

“We will support pro-life programs. Let us vote for programs. Kung ano ang dinadalang programa ng isang kandidato batay sa turo ng simbahan,” he said.

He said that sacredness of human life and life of nature, are major issues and if the former Manila mayor continues to fight for what he believes then the Church will back him up.

According to Arguelles, Atienza has become a good friend because of their common vision for the country.

He also stressed that people should vote for a candidate, not because of his popularity, but based on his programs, in accordance with the teachings of the church.

“We will endorse what he stands for. Lito Atienza is a friend dahil sa common vision sa bansa. Ini-endorso ko what he stands for…human life, life for nature,” Arguelles said.

“Kakampi siya against irresponsible mining, sanctity of creation is a major issue if he continues to fight for these, we will back him up,” the bishop added.

When asked if Atienza is qualified to run for the presidency, the bishop answered, “I think so. Tingnan natin ang kandidato na itataguyod ang buhay. Ibang candidate kasi the same people lang kaya I am dismayed.”