Pope Leo XIV's election as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church ushers in a season of prayer, and former senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson hopes that the Philippine elections will benefit from this.
In a press conference of the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate on Friday, May 9 at Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City, Lacson said American Cardinal Robert Prevost--who took on the name Pope Leo XIV--would be instrumental in helping the country achieve a peaceful and honest elections.
In particular, Lacson says he prays for peaceful and violence-free elections, and that no lives will be lost in the run-up to Monday, May 12.
The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief says another prayer is for Filipino voters to become wise and discerning. He stressed that the voting on Monday will symbolize the principles that Filipinos stand for in life.
"I hope our voters will be discerning because the casting of our votes on Monday will symbolize our individual and collective voices and principles in life," he said.
Lacson also enjoined Filipinos to pray for world peace. "Before praying for the Philippines, we need prayers for world peace, and an end to conflicts around the world."
"Such conflicts may affect the Philippines so we must pray that Pope Leo XIV will be instrumental in resolving them," he added.