Once again, we are at the throes of another critical midterm election in the country. On Monday, May 12, 2025, is the day we, again, exercise our right to vote. This is crucial as this election will determine the composition of our Congress and our local governments. It is the day we can contribute to our nation’s change for the better.
To all our voters, it is important to note that change is a two-faced reality. The one face is on the exterior in which change is seen in the outside appearance such as structures of government and other developments. The other face is the change within us. Change must start in our very selves. Change must start in our own homes.
In view of the aim of changing the deep-rooted culture of vote buying, fraudulent acts and electoral irregularities, our PPCRV and DIOCESAN ELECTORAL BOARD, in support of the COMELEC, and in coordination with government agencies like the PNP, AFP, educational institutions, and the Media, spearheaded countless voter’s education and poll watcher’s training in order to safeguard not only the votes but most of all to safeguard the conscience of our people. We are very happy this year with the active participation of Youth Leaders from our local Colleges and Universities. To all of them, we extend our deep gratitude. What they are doing is to help our people “vote according to a well-informed and Gospel- guided conscience,” to borrow a line from the instruction of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (2016). Our deep gratitude, then, to each of them.
Hinaut pa unta nga dili kita magpabuta sa salapi!. Let us promote CHAMP, (Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful election.) Let us all together be vigilant as we actively watch over our sacred votes. It is our social responsibility to contribute to the well-being of our country by voting rightly. This is part of patriotism. And patriotism is one outward expression of our love for country, and love for our neighbors.
Our recently elected Pope Leo XIV said: “We walk together as one Church, always seeking peace and justice.” Let us continue to work then for synodality and unity despite the differences of our political parties and convictions. Let us discern well before we cast our own votes. Bring everything into prayer so that we may know the will of God for us for the coming election. Honoring and following the commandments of God and obeying His Will in what we do are the concrete expressions of our Love for Him.
May God bless the Provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, and our one and only country, the Republic of the Philippines!
From Bishop Julito B. Cortes, D.D.
Bishop of Dumaguete
