Negros Occidental bishops urge honesty, concern for poor from candidates

BACOLOD CITY — Two bishops in Negros Occidental have called for honesty and deep concern for the poor among candidates now that the local campaign period has kicked off.

Bishop Patricio Buzon of Bacolod City said he hoped that God would save the people from dishonest candidates.

“Honesty is a primary issue in every election, otherwise our election is all a farce, an expensive and wasteful exercise, and totally disastrous to the nation,” he said.

Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos City urged candidates to listen to the deepest most authentic longings of the people, particularly of the most vulnerable and neglected sectors of society.

“While our President won’t entertain opening peace talks with the insurgents again, the challenge remains as the conditions that foment social unrest remain unaddressed, true peace remains unstable and elusive,” Alminaza said.

He called on those running for office to promote integral development for all in Negros by giving due and adequate attention, especially to farm workers and the fisherfolk who remain the poorest.

The bishop also called on the candidates to commit to care for the environment./lzb