Three days before the May 2022 polls, former Social Welfare and Development Secretary Judy Taguiwalo joined church leaders and election watchdogs to vow for a clean, honest, and peaceful election.

Speaking at the gathering led by Kontra Daya in front of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Taguiwalo stressed the importance of having a fair election in order to give the highest position in the government to a leader who truly cares for the country and for the Filipino people.

“Nakikiisa kami sa panawagan ng Kontra Daya at lahat ng mga taong simbahan na narito na magkaroon tayo ng mapayapa, malinis, at matapat na eleksyon (We are one with Kontra Daya and to all church people who are present here for us to have a peaceful, clean, and honest election),” she expressed, representing the group Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law (Carmma).

“Kailangan natin ito para matiyak na ang susunod na uupo sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa ating pamahalaan ay malinis, matapat, at may malinaw na track record ng pagmamahal at paninilbihan sa ating bayan at mamamayan (We need this to ensure that the next person who would occupy the most powerful position in the government will be clean, honest and has a clear track record of loving and serving our country and its citizens),” she continued, asking everyone, as well to pray for the outcomes of the upcoming election.

To note, an inter-faith prayer gathering was also held at the Manila Cathedral, where Catholic, Protestant, and Muslim participants tied white ribbons to signify their call for a clean 2022 election.

Meanwhile, reading the groups’ “Call For Vigilance”, Sister Arabella Balingaw came to the public and expressed commitment to ensure an honest election for a country that needs to recover from the pandemic and all its impacts.

“We are citizens who are ready to defend the future of our nation and democracy. We believe that a peaceful, clean, and honest election is crucial for the next government to effectively lead the people in addressing urgent concerns such as pandemic recovery, job creation, and social justice,” she said.

“We will remain vigilant before, during, and after elections as we resist vote manipulation, disinformation, violence, and abuse of power. We will reject any attempt to subvert the people's choice and hold accountable all those who conspire to steal our hope for a better Philippines,” she went on with the statement.

The groups are also asking the candidates “to affirm their pledge of promoting good governance”, reminding authorities to fulfill their duties without undermining the credibility of the election process.

“We enjoin fellow Filipinos to guard our votes as we value the lives of our family and friends, the future of our country, and the next generation. Let the people decide. Let truth and fairness prevail,” the statement ended.