Faith-based and civil society groups launched this week a movement that aims to work for a “clean, accurate, responsible and transparent” elections in the Philippines next year.
The groups dubbed the movement “Halalang Marangal 2022,” a coalition of more than 20 Church and civic groups that committed themselves to ensure “righteous elections.”
A report on CBCP News said that among the group’s main activities are a campaign for voters’ registration, voters’ education and monitoring during the elections.
“We need to share the burden of managing and administering the electoral exercise with the Commission on Elections,” said Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Caritas Philippines.
“We need to help fill gaps in the entire process, help explain how automated systems work, and reinforce trust and confidence now at an all time low in elections,” said the prelate.
He said the electoral process consists of several stages that citizens should understand and involve themselves with “dynamism and courage.”
The bishop called on the lay faithful to familiarize themselves with the process and know how each stage in the voting chain contributes to transparent and honest elections.
“We have this special responsibility in times of serious moral, economic, health, food security, livelihood and leadership crises,” said Bishop Bagaforo.
“Apathy and indifference are unforgivable and jeopardize our democracy and help perpetuate Godless values,” he said.
Aside from Caritas Philippines, the coalition includes the CBCP’s commissions on indigenous peoples and youth; the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines; Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas; and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.
Other coalition members are the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals; De La Salle Brothers Philippines; Network for Justice and Compassion; People Empowerment via Transformative Electoral Reforms; Philippine Misereor Partnership; Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan; Bawat Isa Mahalaga; The Faith Initiative; and Radio Veritas846.
Father Antonio Labiao, executive secretary of Caritas Philippines, expressed hope that the coming together of various groups will lead to a continuing communal discernment and action.
“We are doing this for the sake of our country and to protect the sacredness of our votes,” said the priest. “I hope that we elect leaders whom we can rely on for real peace, justice and for life in this country,” he said.
Source: Licas Philippines
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