MANILA, Philippines?Catholic bishops on Wednesday implored movie stars not to endorse condoms, saying they must remain good examples and should safeguard ?the morality of the people.?

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, former President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said actors and actresses are emulated by the public who adore them, and should thus be more responsible in choosing what products to support.

?The Church disagrees with the use of artists to promote condoms. That is why we are appealing to them not to allow themselves to be used by the Department of Health (DoH) because as artists, they have a public image that is emulated by people,? he said in an interview over Radyo Veritas.

?As public figures, they have an obligation to society to safeguard morality, especially that of the youth who admire them,? he added.

Earlier reports said the DoH was planning to use celebrities to promote the use of condoms to curb the spread of HIV-AIDS.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes also made the same call over Radyo Veritas, and implored celebrities to use their conscience and not allow themselves to be convinced by the DoH to support condom use.