Diola tackles conscience formation for voters

WITH less than two weeks left before the May 13 elections, the public needs to make wise decision when casting their ballots.

During the First Friday Affair of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) last April 26, Fr. Carmelo Diola, executive director of Dilaab Foundation, gave a talk on the value of conscience formation during polls.

“We have to deal with the roots of the problem. We need to deal with the original sin of graft and corruption,” Diola said.

Dilaab, is a Church-based movement for a transformed Filipino nation through heroic Christian citizenship.

Diola cited two kinds of perspectives during elections — the candidates and the voters. He said some candidates want to win at all costs. They see elections as an investment and public service as a business.

The voters, on the other hand, see elections as if they are gambling wherein they choose the candidates who are popular, such as celebrities. Diola, however, noted “lesser evil” mentality on the part of the voters.

“The missing link is practical conscience which can be achieved in two options — a call to a beyond-the-usual engagement with the Church and a call to be a pastoral companion of the public,” he said.

Diola said pastoral companionship is a refuge, a sanctuary or a space where people journey towards integrity for the common good.

In choosing our future leaders this coming election, he said the LASER   test is a helpful tool during the elections. LASER, which means  lifestyle, supporters, election conduct and reputation, will guide voters in choosing the right candidates.

RAFI employees underwent a laser test workshop during the First Friday Affair where they scored the candidates with a positive sign, negative sign, and a question mark (not certain) based on the given set of questions.

The First Friday Affair is held every month to boost the learning experience of RAFI employees.