Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – "No one will deny we stand at a crucial moment of transition,” which is in urgent need reform and concrete steps to combat the erosion of moral values, corruption, and poverty, says Archbishop Nereus Odchimar, Bishop of Tandag, and President of the Filipino Bishops' Conference, in a statement sent to Fides on the eve of general elections (presidential, parliamentary, and local) set for May 10. This is one of the most important election in recent years, as it will be the first with the automated voting mechanisms.
"Much reform and change is needed. The elections provide a means for our people to take strong and decisive step toward urgent renewal, toward changes that all are crying out for—toward hope," warned Bishop.
“The country is in a critical situation; the need of true moral and social transformation is universally felt; in the erosion of moral values; in truly widespread corruption and dishonesty all around us,” Bishop Odchimar continues.
To encourage the path to the future, the Church entrusts itself to the powerful weapon of prayer. This is why the Bishops' Conference calls on faithful to pray a special novena May 1-9, for the elections. It will be prayed in churches, associations, schools, and families, asking that elections may be “integrally free and honest.”
The bishops are asking all citizens to participate and to carry out their right and duty of voting, not considering that voting is a matter of little account. “It [voting] is a civic duty and moral obligation which binds in conscience...let us be one in self-sacrifice and in hope for our great people, and our beloved land," concludes the text. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 04/28/2010)
