ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Preparing for the vote: Filipino Bishop tells Fides “no selling votes, faithful must have a Gospel perspective”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Every Christian must say no, with courage and foresight, to false illusions and selling of votes and approach every situation, whether it be political or social, from the Gospel perspective." This is the attitude that should mark the political discernment of every Christian Filipino as they prepare for elections in May, an event that will be a key moment in the nation's history. This is what Fides has learned from Bishop Gilbert Garcera of Daet, who was in Rome during a training course sponsored by CIAM (International Center for Missionary Animation).
Bishop Garcera governs a territory on the island of Luzon, south of Manila and in his observation notes that "there are conflicting ideas that are faced in the public arena: everyone calls for the good of the nation but as the Bishops' Conference has affirmed, every citizen must make a serious examination of conscience and a serious discernment guided by faith, in order to recognize the true values and the authentic good of the country."
The Church teaches us to "look at politics through the lens of morality, with all that implies: transparency, honesty, the fight against corruption, respect for life and the family, focus on living standards, and the welfare of the population," the Bishop told Fides.
The Catholic Church in the Philippines, at this stage of the campaign, has pledged to publicly defend life and family and reiterated its appeal against corruption, one of the worst evils in society and national politics.
Bishop Garcera comments: "On a local level, people respect and listen to the Church, despite the strong pressures the people are facing at this time to do otherwise, to sell their vote. In this situation, it is primarily the duty of the Church to intervene in the formation of consciences. The people need to widen their horizons and go beyond their own self-interests, working for the common good of the people and society at large.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/02/2010)