Bishops pray for CJ espousing church values

MANILA, Philippines — Two Catholic bishops have expressed hope that the next chief justice would be someone who will support the values of the church. 

According to Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, a perfect chief magistrate is someone who will oppose the legalization of same-sex marriage, divorce and the revival of the death penalty. 

“This chief justice would be perfect for a Catholic nation such as ours. We will pray for such a man or woman to be the next chief magistrate of the Philippines – the most Catholic country in the world,” Bastes said. 

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco echoed Bastes’ sentiments, saying the successor of Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin should uphold Christian values and support human life.