MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo today said the result of a survey showing that Catholic voters prefer majority of the administration senate bets in the May 13 midterm polls was rigged.

It will be recalled that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), in a pastoral statement entitled “Seek the Common Good”, said the midterm polls is “crucial” especially today when checks and balances in government are being undermined. The bishops encouraged voters to be very discerning in their votes.

But the result of the voter survey surprised the prelates. It showed that seven of the Top 12 senatorial bets preferred by Catholic voters were from the administration’s Hugpong ng Pagbabago. They are reelectionists Sonny Angara, Cynthia Villar, former senator Pia Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Bong Go, Koko Pimentel III and Francis Tolentino.

This goes in contrast with the 10 senate aspirants pushed by the lay movement, People’s Choice Movement (PCM), which mostly include candidates from the opposition’s Otso Diretso namely; Gary Alejano, Chel Diokno, Florin Hilbay, Romy Macalintal, Samira Gutoc, Erin Tañada, Bam Aquino, and Mar Roxas.

”I am sure the voter survey result was manipulated,” Pabillo told The Adobo Chronicles. “I expected all senatorial bets under the Opposition coalition Otso Diretso to do very well.”

The survey was conducted by the Catholic Church-owned Radio Veritas.

Is the CBCP losing its clout among its own flock?