CBCP to hold election forum with 2022 presidential candidates on March 25

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has invited the presidential candidates to an election forum that will be held on Friday, 25 March 2022, and aired live at 6 pm across Catholic radio stations nationwide and on partner social media platforms.

At this event dubbed “Usapang Halalan: The CBCP Election Forum,” the presidentiables will be asked to expound not only their respective platforms, but also disclose their personal convictions and on positions on faith issues. A special portion of the forum will be devoted to questions from parishioners.

In light of the other election-related debates, JesCom Executive Director Rev. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, SJ underscores the relevance of the CBCP election forum by saying, “Our forum is sit-down round-table discussion. We want a more intimate and honest sharing of ideas and sentiments. Seated together, the presidentiables can exemplify a more amiable and civil kind of politics.”

He also explains why religious and faith issues are part of the forum’s topics. “The organizers felt these need to be talked about as Filipinos are deeply religious and spiritual. We want a glimpse of the candidates’ faith and spirituality; we want to see and appreciate their deepest convictions.”

Rico Hizon, CNN Senior Anchor and Director for News Content Development, and Bernadette Sembrano-Aguinaldo, ABS-CBN anchor, will moderate the discussion to be held at Hyundai Hall of Areté in Ateneo de Manila.

“Usapang Halalan 2022: The CBCP Election Forum” can be seen and heard on 25 March at 6 pm via Facebook Live of Radyo Katipunan, Jesuit Communications, CBCP ECSC, Rappler, The Catholic Media Network, Radyo Veritas, DZRV 846, TV Maria, and other Catholic TV, radio and social media outlets nationwide. CNN Philippines and the Philippine Cable Television Association Inc. are also supporting the forum.