ASIA / PHILIPPINES – Church representatives on upcoming elections: “Citizens must exercise their right to vote responsibly”

ASIA / PHILIPPINES – Church representatives on upcoming elections: “Citizens must exercise their right to vote responsibly”

Manila (Agenzia Fides) – “Citizens are called to exercise their right to vote responsibly while the country is still marked by the pandemic”: this is the appeal launched by several Catholic officials in the Philippines, in view of the elections legislative of May 9, 2022, during which the President, Parliament and many local administrators will be elected. Meanwhile, some politicians across the country have already considered postponing the election if the pandemic is not resolved. Despite the pandemic, next year’s elections are a crucial moment in the social and political life of the country that deserves the greatest attention, underlines Bishop Pablo Virgilio David von Kalookan, elected president of the Episcopal Conference of the Philippines (he will take his functions in December). It is necessary to be very careful so that “the current health crisis is not used by certain sectors to obstruct the elections”, he noted. “We must ensure that the elections are held and that the preparations are carried out in accordance with the law and health protocols,” he said, calling on the competent authorities to ensure the smooth running of the elections and the integrity of ballots. guaranteed. The goal, according to Archbishop David, is for “these elections to be transparent, honest, accurate, credible and peaceful”. For this to happen – he said – the full participation of citizens is absolutely necessary. “Catholic faithful should get involved in political activities and issues, for” politics is the highest form of charity. ” and “political engagement is an integral part of being responsible citizens.” “It is part of our life as citizens to respect and care for the common good of our country,” said the prelate. The Bishop of Kidapawan , Bishop José Collin Bagaforo, National Director of Caritas Philippines, addressed the issue of elections at the launch of “Halalang Marangal 2022”, a coalition of more than 20 organizations, Catholics and non-Catholics, who have decided to work together to ensure “ responsible and transparent voting. ”for indigenous peoples, the Episcopal Commission for Youth, the Association of Major Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) are part of the coalition, among others, the Ed Catholic school of the seahorse; Radio Veritas 846. The network intends to lead a process of “discernment and common action, for the good of the country and the sanctity of the vote”, declared Fr. Antonio Labiao, executive secretary. “Our political choice reflects our values”, declared Mgr Bagaforo during the presentation of the new initiative. “The vote – he explained – reveals who I am. The votes cast by people reflect that. Our vote is an expression and affirmation of our human dignity, a fundamental principle of Catholic social doctrine,” he added. “It is a gift from God to men and the way we use it is our gift to our country. It is the fulfillment of one’s own responsibility to participate in the social and political life of our country and of the influence”. As the nation is rocked by many issues and challenges, including the pandemic, “Filipino citizens deserve a leader with a servant’s heart,” he said. But, to be “a true leader in the service of the people – he continued – one must have competence, experience, compassion, kindness, passion and perseverance”. “An effective leader provides guidance and inspires God’s family to work tirelessly to improve the lives of all Filipinos, with a focus on the marginalized and excluded,” Bagaforo concluded. Agnès Brazal, professor at De La Salle University in Manila and at the Saint Vincent School of Theology in the capital, stressed that “to use your right to vote wisely means to participate personally in the promotion of the Kingdom of God. “. Due to the pandemic, many Filipinos fear registering with the Election Commission. Voter registration, which was due to end on September 30, was therefore extended until October 31 to allow all citizens to register on the electoral rolls so that they could exercise their right to vote. According to Brazal, there is still some fear of contracting the deadly virus: “If it hadn’t been for the pandemic, there would have been more records.” In view of the political elections, scheduled for May 9, 2022, the Election Commission is expected to publish the list of official candidates, including candidates for the presidency, vice-presidency, the seats of the 12 senators and the 308 members of the House of Representatives. In addition, there are 81 governors and vice-governors, 780 seats in provincial councils, 1,634 mayors and deputy mayors of municipalities, 13,546 seats in municipal councils. According to the Philippine Constitution of 1987, general elections are held every six years on the second Monday in May. In the Philippines, where 48% of the roughly 110 million people are under 25, about 80% of the population profess the Catholic religion. (SD-PA) (Agenzia Fides, 29/9/2021)

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