Illusions of Influence

Analyzing the overt political activity of some Philippine bishops and priests during the 2022 presidential elections, this paper distinguishes the Church's legitimate duty to form consciences from improper “public partisan political activity,” such as open endorsement or denunciation of candidates. Drawing on Magisterial teaching, CBCP statements, and commentary from Filipino theologians and canonists, the author argues that clerical endorsements conflate priestly identity with partisan advocacy, weaken the Church's unifying and prophetic role, and risk fostering political clericalism regardless of election outcomes. The paper concludes that the CBCP should have restrained such activity and calls for a stronger lay voice and greater synodal accountability in future elections.