Balanga, Bataan Bishop Ruperto C. Santos has issued a pastoral letter to guide the voters in choosing the right candidates in the coming May elections.

Santos called on the electorate to follow the example of their patron St. Joseph in deciding whom to vote for in the national and local elections.

The Church leader said, based on the characteristics of St. Joseph, he would probably tell us to “choose someone who is doing and will do something, not mere words. Someone who will spring into action if and when needed, and not fall for unfulfilled promises.”

"What will St. Joseph campaign for? He will probably campaign for candidates who will work towards obedience to God's will and commands, work towards the well-being and safety of the family, and work towards honest and dignified labor," Santos said.

The foster father of Jesus, the prelate said, follows God’s plans without question.

"St. Joseph put God first, not himself. Not human nature nor habits. And most certainly not the will of the majority. We must choose someone who will accomplish something for us. Someone who will work with us and for us. Someone who will always do God's will first, keeping the law of God above all. Not his personal interests nor favors for his relatives. Not to indulge with or reward his political party mates," the bishop stressed.

In addition, Santos reminded the electorate to choose a good leader who works for the safety of the family.

"Like St. Joseph’s example, he will surely remind us to choose someone who will work for the good and safety of the family. Someone who will recognize the sanctity of marriage and will accept that marriage is between a man and a woman until their last breath. Someone who will stand that marriage is until death do them part. Just like what St. Joseph did to save and protect the baby Jesus against the threatening death from the cruel decree of King Herod (Matthew 2,13), he will advise us to choose someone who will advocate for protection and respect for human life. Someone who will be the voice for the voiceless. Life from the womb must be preserved and nurtured towards a peaceful and prosperous life," he said.

Lastly, the Church leader said that like St. Joseph, a good leader, upholds the dignity of labor.

"St. Joseph is honest and trustworthy, in labor and chores. St. Joseph will advise us to get rid of those who cheat in labor, those who use dirty tools and tactics, and those who abuse the jobs of ordinary people. St. Joseph will campaign for those who promise to work for us, that they must be honest and not cheat or steal. Never enrich themselves through their positions and influence," the bishop said.

"Let us choose a leader who, like St. Joseph, has a servant heart, who is submissive to God. Let us choose someone who will work for our good, for the improvement of our welfare, and for the fulfillment of God's law," said Bishop Santos.

The bishop also shared a prayer to St. Joseph that the voter may recite before casting his vote.

“O Lord Jesus, our good Shepherd and benevolent Sower, as we go out to vote, walk with us to safety and to a moral decision.

We should not be intimidated by show of force, nor carried away by instant promises of jobs and false securities.

We should not be moved by sense of gratitude or by padrino system, nor be bought by money or by promotions and assurances of government positions.

O Lord Jesus, as we go out to vote, come with us and remind us that: our vote is our right, it is our moral choice, our vote must be based on the dictate of our conscience, and will decide our future.

O Lord Jesus, as we go out to vote, please grant us the grace and wisdom to cast out our vote for the glory of God, for the good of our province and of our country, for the welfare and wellbeing of our community, and of everybody, and especially for our own personal sanctification.

We humbly pray, o Lord Jesus, for a clean, safe and honest election. We humbly implore you, o Lord Jesus, our good Shepherd and benevolent Sower, for a peaceful and responsible election. Amen.