Vote for candidates who have the common good of country as top concern, Catholics told

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic faithful should vote for candidates who have the common good of the country as their main concern in the upcoming midterm elections, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said Monday.

In the pastoral letter titled “Seek the Common Good,” the CBCP urged Catholics to be very discerning in their votes and elect public officials who are principled, courageous and who have the common good of the nation as their top concern.

“Let the common good be the aim of our politicians and let the common good be the basis of our choice for our next set of public officials, then truly, ‘love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss’ (Ps 85:11) in our land,” CBCP said in a letter penned by its president, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles.

The bishops also called on the faithful to not just be on-lookers but also involved in the electoral process. 

“Each of us can let our voice be heard and be a part of national conversation by posting our views in the social media, but with great respect for others and with the end of advancing the truth,” CBCP said.

They added: “We especially encourage the youth whose future is very much at stake to participate in the electoral process especially by using their skills and knowledge of the social media to advance what is true, what is just and what is for the common good.”

‘Pay attention to Cha-cha, shift to federalism’

The bishops, moreover, called on the Catholic faithful to pay attention to the measure approved by the House of Representatives that seeks to revise the 1987 Constitution and create a federal form of government.

Resolution of Both Houses 15, authored by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and 21 other lawmakers, was passed on third and final reading last December.

CBCP called it a “serious and perhaps more insidious matter.”

“It takes away the term limits of most of the elected officials and allows political dynasties to continue. It opens the national resources to foreign ownership and eventual control. Its version of federalism is vague and it will do away with the 2019 elections,” the bishops said.

While most members of the House — dominated by allies of President Rodrigo Duterte — were enthusiastic about amending the current charter, the Senate has been cool on the matter.

Senators said they were doubtful the Senate would have time to tackle federalism.