MANILA, Philippines — The tandem of presidential contender Vice President Leni Robredo and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan gained the support of priests from the Diocese of Gumaca in the province of Quezon.
“Pagkatapos ng sama-samang pananalangin, pangingilatis, at pagsusuri ng mga track records at plataforma de govierno ng mga kandidato para sa pambansang pamahalaan, kami ay naglalatag ng indibidwal na suporta sa kandidatura nina VP Leni Robredo at Sen. Kiko Pangilinan,” said the priests in a statement.
(After joint prayers, scrutiny, and review of the track records and platforms of the candidates for national government, we lay out our individual support for the candidacy of VP Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.)
“Nakikita namin sa kanila ang kabutihan, katapatan, at kakayahan sa pamumuno. Kahanga-hanga ang inspirasyon na kanilang naibibigay sa sambayanan, at ang pagmamahal sa bayan at kapwa na kanilang napupukaw sa kanilang mga taga-suporta,” they added.
(We see in them goodness, honesty, and leadership ability. The inspiration they give to the people is amazing, and the love for the country and which they gain from their supporters.)
According to the Diocese, both Robredo and Pangilinan were chosen as the ideal candidates based on the following standards:
- Fear of God and recognizes the sacredness of each life
- Not part of a clan or system that only serves based on self-interest
- Has already proved good and honest service, without relying on empty words
- Has a realistic understanding of the country’s problems and the challenges of governing it
- Has a clear plan for the development of the country, including foreign relations
- Has integrity, and is a good role model for each staff member of the government
The priests then vowed that with the looming elections and the current system that “perpetuates corruption and oppresses those with pure intentions,” they will no longer stand idly by.
“Tinatanggap namin ang hamon ng pakikisangkot nang higit sa nakaugalian para sa pagbabago ng sistemang pulitikal,” said over 60 priests who signed the statement.
(We accept the challenge of engaging more than usual for the transformation of the political system.)
“Hindi na kami maaaring manood na lamang sa isang tabi at umasa na iba ang magsusulong ng pagbabago. Bilang mga lingkod ng sambayanan ng mga mananampalatayang Kristiyano, alam namin ang aming lugar sa lipunan, at ang aming mga tungkulin sa bayan,” they added.
(We can no longer just watch on the sidelines and hope that others will promote change. As servants of the community of Christian believers, we know our place in society, and our duties to the people.)
The Diocese said that the endorsement was announced in response to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP’s) call to ensure each other’s welfare.
“Kaming mga pari ng Diyosesis ng Gumaca ay nagkasundong mag-ambag nang higit sa nakasanayan para sa kinabukasan ng ating bansa,” said the priests.
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