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Bataan bishop issues guidelines for voting 

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Bishop Ruperto C. Santos


 

BALANGA CITY — Bishop Ruperto C. Santos of the Diocese of Balanga on Wednesday issued reminders to Filipinos, especially to seafarers and overseas Filipino workers, when voting in the local and national elections on May 9.

“It is a very important event coming up in our country. We are all part of it and involved in it. This is about us and for us,” the Bataan prelate said.

Santos spelled out three “Ks” to remember when voting and these are “Karapatan, Katungkulan, Kinabukasan.”

He explained that voting, first, is our right where nobody should intimidate or force anyone as to whom to vote. It is an expression of our free will and ability to judge who is sincere, genuine, and honorable to lead us.

Second, it is our duty to vote to express what is in our minds in writing to convey what our hearts desire by choosing, by voting. He urged that it should not be wasted for voting is our right that we must exercise and given serious action.

Finally, the bishop said voting is our future that can be likened to sowing seeds which eventually produces crops that we can reap.

“Whoever we sit in the government will surely have an impact on us. We will enjoy the fruits of the labor of the people we voted for. For the sake of a bright, peaceful and prosperous future, we should reflect and pray earnestly when we vote, Santos said.

The bishop also imparted the four “Ps” to consider when migrant seafarers and workers cast their votes – “Programa sa trabaho,” “Pangangalaga sa buhay at sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay na naiwan,” “Paggalang sa inyo at sa inyong karapatang pangtao,” and “Pagpaparusa sa mga nanglilinlang, umabuso at nagpahamak sa inyo.”

First, he said, it is imperative to those who ask for votes to have a reliable, effective and a solid program on how to have a secure, stable and dignified job here in our country for migrant workers not be forced to go to another country because there are no employment opportunities here.

Santos said the second is those you vote have to defend you against erroneous perceptions and unjust treatment, against pretentious reception and false accusations.

Santos said we need someone who has a strong conviction against the violation of humane treatment or breach of the agreed contract. Someone who will take care of you and will not forsake you but someone who will protect and not abandon you.

Third, he said, those you elect should in return acknowledge you with respect, concern and sincere gratitude for all that you have done and been through. Respecting your human rights means providing prompt assistance in times of your hardship, need, and especially on the mat of illness or the brink of death.

Finally, the prelate said, it is only right that those who want the votes will enforce laws to punish those who have harmed, abused, and deceived you. You should also be given justice against those in authority or in the government who did not help or sympathize with you, those who made your life difficult or took advantage of your humble condition and weaknesses.

“We acknowledge your sacrifice and your patience. We know that all these are reflections of your concern and love for your loved ones and our country. We are grateful to you. Along with our gratitude is our prayer that you will always be safe from all danger and adversity,” he said.

“Sweet promises and charming slogans are not enough. Famous names or good looks do not matter. It is more important who does what is true, right, and moral. Let us now use our hands to choose and vote for sincere, genuine, and moral people,” Santos concluded.

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