MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP- ECMI) on Wednesday said that it is praying that the newly elected senators will serve the public, not a political ally.
“Our people have spoken. It is their will, and we have to respect it. It is our prayer and [we] hope that our elected officials will truly work at the service of our people, not for [a] certain person or political party, and they will not fail us nor fail us again,” said Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP-ECMI, in his message posted on the Veritas 846 website.
Based on the partial and official results released Tuesday night by the Commission on Election (Comelec), almost all 12 candidates included in the new set of senators were allies of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Among the pro-administration bets who have made it so far to the top 12 are former special presidential assistant Christopher “Bong” Go, Taguig Rep. Pia Cayetano, former Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald dela Rosa, Sen. Sonny Angara, Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos, former presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino, and Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III.
READ: Bam in Magic 12 in early Comelec count but how long can he hang on?
Despite the partial outcome of the recently concluded elections, Santos appealed to the public to remain united for the country.
“We must admit that our people still place their trust and future to the present administration. Given a fresh mandate, let us pray they will live up to our expectations, and we will not be sorry for whom we have elected them,” he said.
“We at CBCP-ECMI, appeal that we all work together for peace and prosperity of our country to improve the lives of our people. Let us, as one, work together for new and better Philippines,” Santos added.
Santos also assured that the Church will continue to cooperate with the government in championing human rights in the country. (Editor: Eden Estopace)