MANILA, Philippines -- More than the spread of the Influenza A(H1N1) virus, Filipinos should be afraid of the ?epidemic of ignorance,? Chief Justice Reynato Puno said on Wednesday.

At the same time, Puno called on public officials to be ?truthful? so that people could exercise their ?sovereign judgment? when they vote in 2010.

?Our people need the truth and nothing but the truth from those who govern us and likewise, from those who seek to govern us. After all, the people can?t exercise their sovereign judgment well at the polling places if what is foisted to them are mere half-truths, if not falsified facts,? he said a speech during the 438th founding anniversary celebration of the city of Manila at the Manila Hotel.

?More than the swine flu, we should dread the epidemic of ignorance. For us, the scriptures remind us that it?s truth and only the truth that will set the people free,? he added.

Speaking to reporters after the event, Puno noted a ?severe lack of information? on the part of the people, which he said should be addressed before they cast their votes next year.

He said ?there ought to be more substantive and intellectual contents in our political and social and economic discourses.?

But Puno refused to comment when asked if President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should clarify persistent talks of her reported plan to seek a congressional seat next year.

?It?s pure speculation. We should not speculate at this stage,? he said.

Pressed if Arroyo should be honest about her plans, Puno said, ?Everybody should be honest about plans, which have implications on our government.?

?It?s very difficult to speculate what?s on her (Arroyo) mind. I?m not saying, not particularizing a person but as a general rule, we should be truthful about plans especially when the plans were mentioned on public presence,? Puno he.

In his speech, Puno also expressed concerns over the country?s poverty problem, noting that number of people sinking below the poverty line has been increasing.

?If that?s not enough we also behold the worse kind of poverty--the poverty of the spirit. The spirit of greed of the few that devastates the many, which is most unfortunate for history teaches us that when the rain of greed begins, the rule of law ends,? he said.