Taytay Bishop Broderick Pabillo said people should be vigilant against candidates who portray themselves as “pro-poor” to lure voters ahead of the polls.
(CBCP NEWS / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
“Don’t believe that they will help the poor when they get elected when they aren’t able to help the poor now,” CBCP News quoted Pabillo's pastoral instruction dated Nov. 6.
The pastoral instruction was issued in time for the World Day of the Poor observance on Nov. 14.
Pabillo also cautioned voters against candidates that are party to ongoing abuses being committed against poor Filipinos.
“They cannot do anything for the poor if we continue to have a government that takes advantage of the poor, especially in times of a pandemic,” he said.
“People are already facing difficulties, yet the government can still afford to use the loans for their corrupt practices,” Pabillo added.
The prelate said the poor must go for candidates that have long shown their concern for the poor, even before the election season.
“Let us choose candidates that are already doing something to improve the lives of the poor,” said Pabillo.
“In selecting our bets, let us look at who are really going to the fringes of society,” he added.