MALOLOS
CITY—The Diocese of Malolos took a hard
line stand against anti-life and family candidates in the May 13 automated
elections.
In
a two page pastoral letter read in all parishes in Bulacan and in the City of
Valenzuela, Bishop Jose Francisco Oliveros of the Diocese of Malolos advised
parishioners saying “huwag iboto ang mga kandidatong laban sa buhay at pamilya.
Oliveros
was referring to candidates who voted for the ratification of the Reproductive
Health Law and those that are pushing for laws on divorce, same sex marriage,
abortion and euthanasia or mercy killing.
The
bishop also encourage parishioners in the province not to vote for candidates
who pushed for the establishment landfills in Bulacan along with those who are
facing charges of graft and corruption, and involved in illegal mining, illegal
fishing, and illegal logging.
Oliveros
also specifically called on the laity not to vote for candidates who belong to
political dynasty and who have a mistress.
“Ito
ang aking panawagan salahat ng mga layko ang kusa at malayang pagtugon sa
gawaing ito,” the bishop said in his pastoral letter where in he added, “dapat
tumulong ang mga laikong kalalakihan at kababaihan namay mataas na katungkulan
sa ating lipunan sa paghubog ng budhinh panlipunan ng botante at dapat silang
kumilos upang hayagang suportahan ang pagkakahalal sa mga katungkulang
pampublikong mga pinunong may wagas na katapatan.”
In
the same letter, Oliveros explained that his call is not partisan, instead, it
was a recognition to candidates who are supporting the teachings of the Church.
He
also reminded parishioners that in choosing the bext candidates in the May
polls, Catholics must have knowledge of the candidates, must inquire and must
exercise responsibility.
In
inquiring about a certain candidate, Catholics were reminded to consider the
four “Cs” which stands for conscience,
character, competence, compassion and commitment.
“Marapat
lamang na ang botanteng katoliko ay mapag-isip, mapanuri,at mapagsaliksik sa
uri ng pagkatao ng isang pulitiko,”Oliveros said.
With
regards to the vaunted Catholic Vote, he described it as an spiritual power
that that must evaluate the social, political and cultural landscape.
Ang
botong katoliko ay pagtutol,hindi pagboto sa mga pulitiko na ang programa at
panuntunan ay laban sa pananampalataya at moral ng Katoliko,” he said.
Meanwhile,
political old hands here said that the pastoral letter will affect candidacies
of Gov. Wilhelmino Alvarado and his wife Rep. Marivic Alvarado.
Aside
from the perception that the Alvarados are building apolitical dynastry, Rep.
Alvarado also voted in favor of the RH law.
Other
candidates are expected to be affected by the pastoral letter is Bulakan town
Mayor Patrick Meneses, scion of the political clan who ruled in the town for
more than 50 years; and the reelection bid of Mayor Joan Alarilla of Meycauayan
City who was charged withy plunder years ago; and Mayor Rolando Flores of the
mountain town of Donya Remedios Trindad who was suspended last year for abuse
of authority.
Political
observers also believes that reelection bids of Mayor Orencio Gabriel who
favored the construction of sanitary landfill in Obando town; and Mayor
Feliciano Legazpi who is grooming his son as his running mate. (Dino Balabo)
