Prepare Filipinos’ conscience for 2028 polls, Church leaders told

MANILA, Philippines — How will Filipinos select its leaders in 2028?

As early as now, Catholic leaders must prepare the “conscience of Filipinos” for the 2028 presidential polls, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said.

“If we want to change society, it must begin within us. No reform will succeed without a change of heart,” he noted.

In his speech during the 13th National Convention of the Knights of Columbus in Davao City, Garcera asked Catholic leaders to adopt the “Katipunan for Good Governance” framework being promoted by Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

“I urge our regional officers to take the initiative in contacting Archbishop Soc Villegas to implement the Katipunan for Good Governance program across our councils. By integrating his guidance and this strategic framework, we can align our fraternal values with civic responsibility and move from traditional charity toward systemic social contribution,” he said.

The Knight of Columbus is the country’s largest organization of Catholic leaders, with more than 600,000 members in the Philippines.

The CBCP president said the initiative could help prepare communities for the 2028 elections by fostering integrity, civic responsibility and active citizenship.

“My dear brother Knights, to be a Herald of Hope is not a slogan – it is a vocation. It is a call to conversion: a change of mindset, a renewal of the family and a commitment to good governance. Through this program, the Knights of Columbus can lead by example, proving that faith and good governance are inseparable in the quest for a better Philippines,” he stressed.

Garcera noted that families face many serious challenges, including broken relationships, economic pressures, migration, digital distractions and a weakening of faith in the home.

“To address these, Garcera encouraged Church leaders to go deeper and closer to the ground and go to municipalities and examine resolutions that may be contrary to life and family.