Church officials running for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections asked to quit

MANILA, Philippines — The Diocese of Malolos in Bulacan called on leaders and members of church groups under its watch to quit should they plan to seek elective positions in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

They should “file a leave of absence addressed to their respective parish priests” once they file their certificates of candidacy (COC), otherwise they would be declared resigned from their current posts, according to a circular issued by Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo.

Once elected, they could serve in their parishes “as ordinary members only,” but could apply again “subject to the approval of the parish priest,” he noted.

Those who would lose in the Oct. 30 elections “may resume their service in the Church, but subject to the approval of the parish priest.”

Villarojo also warned the faithful in the diocese that they should not “use any Church facilities and affiliations during the campaign such as the Church, parish halls, offices, vehicles and even wearing church organization shirts to avoid confusion on representation.”

“In as much as we encourage the participation of the flock in nation-building, we are also aware of the possible danger of confusion when it comes to exercising power in the church and in public office,” Villarojo said in the letter also signed by the diocese’s Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting coordinator Fr. Lou Salvador Jess de Silva and Commission on Social Action chairman Fr. Melchor Ignacio.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the period for COC filing for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan positions from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2.

Lahok Bayan

In a social media post, the Comelec is inviting those planning to run in the October BSKE to attend a free online course dubbed “Lahok Bayan,” an inclusive and transformative political participation and leadership program.
“It strives to inspire future leaders like you to pursue your plans to serve your localities while promoting progressive leadership,” the poll body said.
The Comelec added, “The program aims to strengthen your understanding of the fundamental principles of participatory governance – inclusive, intersectional and transformative.”

“Lahok Bayan is a self-paced online certification course open for a limited time only,” it added.
Comelec advised those interested to enroll and create an account by visiting Comelec’s Facebook page for more information or signing up and filling out the form at https://bit.ly/JoinLahokBayan.

A certificate will be issued after completion of the course.

Lahok Bayan is a program of the University of the Philippines Center for Women’s Studies Foundation Inc., supported by the Comelec and the United Nations Development Program. – Rhodina Villanueva