Bishop Julito B. Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete has called on the citizenry to exercise vigilance, and at the same time, cooperate with the winners in the recent local and national elections to achieve peace and prosperity in the country.
“After Monday’s elections, we the faithful citizens have a responsibility to abide by constitutional processes and respect duly-constituted authorities,” Cortes said in Cebuano and English in his homily on Wednesday for the fiesta mass of the San Isidro de Labrador Parish in Lazi, Siquijor.
The Church, according to the prelate, follows the “policy of vigilant collaboration” and that “this is our responsibility.”
Amidst differing opinions on the election results both at the national and local levels, Cortes emphasized: “We pray for them (winners) that their exercise of office will be guided by the wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit.”
He expressed hope that these political leaders will serve not only for personal gain, or for their family, but also for the constituents and everyone in society, as he encouraged prayers that they shall be guided by the Holy Spirit for a “serbisyong totoo, matinudanon nga pag-alagad (genuine and faithful service) and for peace, which we desire, to truly reign in our land.”
He cited the late Pope John Paul II’s four pillars of peace: truth, justice, love, and freedom as gauge for achieving peace.
“We hope that the elected leaders will serve according to the ideals of Christ, and to those who did not win, do not be discouraged, because your genuine desire to serve in public office is admirable,” the 63-year-old prelate said.
“What we need is His light, especially because there are lots of problems pervading in our political affairs today,” he pointed out.
Cortes, however, lamented the rampant vote-buying by many politicians just to get an elective post.
He said the Church and the faithful must continue with the mission to combat this and other electoral crimes to prevent abuse by duly constituted authority.
Despite the so-called separation of the Church and State, he noted that as part of that policy of vigilant collaboration, the Diocesan Electoral Board has played a significant role in the preparations for the elections, and even afterward.
Cortes lauded the DEB, headed by Msgr. Julius Perpetuo S. Heruela, and its thousands of volunteers through the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting, deployed during the elections.
The DEB, although Diocesan-led, has for its members the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Department of Education, Philippine Information Agency, non-government and civic groups, and the media, among others.
Cortes’ parting words left a challenge and invitation to the people: “Atong sutaon karon kung ila bang matuman ang ilang panaad (Let us now examine if they will fulfill their promises) for the development of the people, to work for the common good, for the interest of the community, and especially the poorest of the poor in the community.” (Judy F. Partlow/PNA)
