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STATEMENTS
which Gospel values form the bases of
our choice of candidates and not party
or family loyalties.
B. On Automated Elections
We have always hoped for a modernized,
better, and faster form of
voting and counting, imbued with
transparency and integrity. Automated
election has been in use for some time in
many countries. For the first time in our
history we are adopting one example
of poll automation called Automated
Election System (AES). But at this late
hour there are still many questions regarding
the AES that revolve around the
readiness of personnel and equipment
as well as the readiness of the electorate
in the use of the system. Even more
important, many serious questions
about the reliability and integrity of the
equipment and the personnel involved
have not been satisfactorily answered.
To be sure those who are responsible
for the AES are striving to make the
system work.
But we must make sure that there
are prepared fall back positions that
can be quickly adopted when there
are some glitches in the system and
in the logistics. We have to be vigilant
and be involved. One example
would be to help in educating voters
regarding the AES and in using the
equipment.
C. To Candidates
We ask the candidates, already at
this point, to start serving the nation
by being honest and sincere in educating
the people on the situation of our
country in their campaign. They should
not campaign to manipulate the perceptions
of the people but to help them
to make good choices for the sake of
the country. They are to present their
platforms and convictions rather than
attack others.
D. To Peace-keepers
We call on our soldiers and the
police to be extra-vigilant so as to bring
about peaceful elections. They should
not allow themselves to be used by politicians
or ideological groups. Rather,
they should be vigorous in disarming
illegally armed elements.
E. To Voters
We appeal directly to you, our
fellow countrymen and women, as
well as to all members of our Basic
Ecclesial Communities and religious
lay organizations to exercise your right
to vote wisely i.e. following the criteria
indicated several times in our previous
pastoral letters. Automated elections
will not give us good public officials.
Ultimately the leaders that our country
shall have will depend on our wise
choice of candidates. Do not be swayed
by survey results or political advertisements.
Follow the dictates of your
conscience after
a prayerful and
collective period
of discernment.
“Winnability” is
not at all a criterion
for voting!
The vote you cast
will be a vote for
the good of your
country and your
children’s future.
Serve the common
good with your
precious vote!
III. Signs of
Hope
In spite of the
grim scenario that
some may paint
that every election
is just the same,
we feel winds of
change for the better.
Many of our
faithful are now
heeding the call of
their pastors to be
actively engaged in
politics. Many are
running for public
office issuing
from the call of
faith and service so
that people should
no longer vote
simply for the lesser evil among the
candidates. There are now many civil
society groups that are concerned and
are actively moving to ensure that this
election of 2010 will be an honest and
credible one. We especially note with
encouragement many young people who
go out of their way to offer their services
for the good of our nation. These
signs are fruits of the efforts of many in
the past years to educate our people to
develop their social conscience and to
make their faith the motivation of their
political actions. Pope Benedict XVI
teaches us: “Worship pleasing to God
can never be a purely private matter,
without consequences for our relationship
with others: it demands a public
witness of our faith” (Sacrosanctum
Concilium #83)
Let us be ever vigilant for our country.
Together let us be involved in the
coming automated elections. Let us vote
wisely that we may have God-fearing
and honest people as our leaders.
May our Blessed Mother, Our Lady
of Peace, be our guide and teacher in
our hope for a better tomorrow. May
our Good Lord receive our offerings
of prayers, good intentions and selfless
service for the good of our people! To
Him be the glory forever. Amen.
+NEREO P. ODCHIMAR, DD
Bishop of Tandag
President
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
Philippines
January 24, 2010
© CBCP Media
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IMPACT • February 2010