Palma asks new officials to set aside politics

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma is challenging all newly-elected government leaders to set aside political differences and instead work together for the country’s development.

Palma, who is also the incumbent president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said in a statement from the CBCP News that public officials are there to serve and this must be inculcated in the minds of all the people.

He believed that thanking the people for electing them  is not enough, especially when a public official does not do anything for the progress of his own area of responsibility.

He added that what’s important is that these public officials must leave a true legacy to the people who elected them for the position they are holding.

Palma reiterated that these public officials should be more serious in helping the people, not only because of being a public officials but because they know that they have a sacred responsibility and have an important mandate.

Last Sunday, newly-elected local and national officials in the country have formally assumed their respective posts.

On the other hand, Palma also particularly called on the new and old members of the Lower House to attend sessions diligently since it is where important measures are discussed.

Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and Negros Occidental Rep. Jules Ledesma shared the top spot in the list of absentee lawmakers during the 15th Congress in reports released last week.

Based on the attendance record uploaded on the House of Representatives website, only 21 legislators attended the 168 session days of the Congress from July 26, 2010 to June 6, 2013.  (FREEMAN)