By Jhon Aldrin Casinas
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday encouraged the faithful, especially the youth, to participate in May, 2019 midterm elections by harnessing their skills and knowledge on social media to promote truth and the common good.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
The CBCP call was read by Rev. Fr. Lazaro Abaco – rector of The Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, also known as EDSA Shrine – during his homily at a mass marking the 33rd anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution.
“Each of us can let our voice be heard and be a part of national conversation by posting our views in the social media, but with great respect for others and with the end of advancing the truth,” Abaco said, quoting the CBCP statement.
Abaco also said Filipinos should “elect public officials who are principled, courageous and who have the common good as their main concern and not their own political interests.”
“Let us be vigilant in what is happening. Let us not just be onlookers but let us be involved,” he added.
Meanwhile, Abaco shared that he had advised thousands of protesters, who held a rally outside the EDSA Shrine, that if they want to shout and express sentiments, then they should go to People Power Monument at the corner of EDSA-White Plains.
“But if your intention is to come inside the church to whisper to the heart of Jesus your prayer so that He will be the one to communicate it to our President and our leaders, then EDSA Shrine is the right place for you,” Abaco said.
The protest rally – organized by the United People’s Action, along with One Faith, One Nation, One Voice, and other groups – highlighted various issues, including repression, poverty, increasing number of killings, attacks on the youth, and martial law in Mindanao.