MANILA -- Pope Benedict XVI has appealed to politicians and public officials in the Philippines to act with honesty, integrity and justice.

In a report published online by the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN), Pope Benedict said: "The struggle against poverty in the Philippines calls for honesty, integrity and an unwavering fidelity to the principles of justice, especially on the part of those entrusted with positions of governance and public administration”.

The Pope conveyed his message to the new Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, Mercedes Arrastia Tuason.

In response, Malacañang said the Pope’s message to Filipinos comes at an opportune time since the Philippine national elections is just a few months away.

"The Pope's advice is timely especially now that elections are forthcoming,” Undersecretary Anthony Golez, the deputy presidential spokesperson said.

Golez said Malacañang is one with the Pope in encouraging the Filipino people to look for the nation’s leader who will abide by the Christian ideals.

“People should vote for people who have unwavering honesty and integrity," Golez said.

Peace in Mindanao
The Pope, likewise, took the opportunity to call for peace in southern Philippines, especially in regions “that have been sadly scarred by conflicts”.

"In an age when the name of God is abused by certain groups, the work of charity is particularly urgent," said the Pope.

Pope Benedict also lauded “initiatives that aim at facilitating dialogue and cultural exchange” as well as those who “are taking courageous steps to bring people together in order to foster reconciliation and mutual understanding.”

He also praised the work of the Bishops Ulama Conference (BUC), the Mindanao People's Caucus, and that of many grassroots organizations, the report stated. With Willard Cheng, ABS-CBN News