Bishop warns against ‘pro-poor’ candidates in the 2022 elections

FILE PHOTO: Bishop Broderick Pabillo. INQUIRER/LYN RILLON

MANILA, Philippines — A Catholic bishop on Tuesday appealed to the public to be vigilant against 2022 election candidates who pose as “pro-poor” advocates.

“Don’t believe that they will help the poor when they get elected when they aren’t able to help the poor now,”  Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Taytay said in a statement.

The bishop made this call in time for the commemoration of World Day of the Poor on November 14.

Pabillo also cautioned voters against candidates who support the ongoing abuses being committed against poor Filipinos.

“They cannot do anything for the poor if we continue to have a government that takes advantage of the poor, especially in times of a pandemic,” the prelate said.

“People are already facing difficulties, yet the government can still afford to use the loans for their corrupt practices,” he added.

Pabillo reminded voters to go for candidates that have long shown their concern for the poor, even before the election season.

“Let us choose candidates that are already doing something to improve the lives of the poor,” according to him.

“In selecting our bets, let us look at who is really going to the fringes of society,” he also said.

The Comelec has yet to release the final list of candidates for the 2022 elections.

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