Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David has called on the voting public not to sell their votes in the coming May elections.
“Each vote is important, so important that it is sought, bought or even stolen. Our vote is our voice and decision. When we sell our vote, we lose our voice and our decision. It is like giving up our freedom and our future,” the bishop stressed.
Bishop David, likewise, called on candidates not to take advantage of the situation of the poor.
“We should also be reminded that taking advantage of the poverty and vulnerability of people in order to acquire votes or advance one’s selfish gain is a serious offense against God,” the Church leader said over Radio Veritas.
In a pastoral letter entitled “Be Concerned About the Welfare of Others,”Bishop David called on the faithful to protect the integrity of their votes as he emphasized that the welfare of every Filipino and the future of the country is everybody’s responsibility.
“When the good, the truth, life and the welfare of all are at stake, be assured that we shall raise our voice,” he added as he cited the importance of voter’s education and empowerment. The bishop stressed that violence, money, power, lies, hatred, and acts of cheating must not be part of the voting process.
Bishop David said it is the Church’s moral responsibility to guide the voters in the coming elections.
“There is no law that prohibits any church or religion to speak about and engage in politics. In truth, the principle of Separation of Church and State respects the free exercise of religion. It prohibits the government from establishing a state religion. And any church, being part of the society, has the right and the responsibility to speak out, especially on the moral aspect of politics and governance,” he said.
The bishop urged the faithful to pray for wisdom and transformation as the observance of Holy Week nears and in preparation for the important task of voting in the coming elections. This is also an invitation of Lent: Conversion and reconciliation with God. May our discipleship of Jesus, the Word Made Flesh, serve as our guide and light in making decisions and actions,” he said.