Tagle: Choose ‘green’ leaders in 2016

Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle asked the faithful to choose leaders who have in their platforms specific programs for environmental conservation in the upcoming 2016 polls.

In an interview aired over Radyo Veritas on Sunday, Tagle said that voters should be discerning about the platforms of each candidate.

“Una, magpapasalamat tayo kung isaasama nila sa kanilang plataporma ang pag-aalaga sa kalikasan. Pero maganda ay ating aralan ang kanilang plataporma, huwag tayong makukuntento (First, we should thank those candidates who include programs regarding environmental protection in their platforms. But it is better if we study their platforms and not be contented with what they offer),” Tagle said.

The Manila Archbishop said that upon evaluating the platforms of candidates, the faithful should ask how they would specifically implement these projects without being detrimental to various sectors.

“Magtatanong tayo ‘Paano aalagaan ang kalikasan? Paano nyo gagawin yan? Anong mga business practices (ang ipatutupad) tulad ng paggamit ng lupa? (Paano) ang pangangalaga sa mga magsasaka (at) mga mangingisda? (Sa) lahat ng tao at ang kalikasan?’” he said.

(We should ask them: ‘How will you take care of the environment? How will you be able to accomplish that? What are the business practices that you will implement when it comes to land use? Will the concerns of the farmers and fishermen be addressed? How will they take care of the people and the environment?’)

Tagle emphasized that those vying for public office should emulate “ideological ecological conversion,” one of the Church teachings stipulated in the encyclical “Laudato Si” by Pope Francis.

Ideological conversion, the prelate said, is not only about taking care of the environment but also of the welfare of the people, especially the poor.

“Kaya dapat hinihingi ay ecological conversion pagbabago para tayo ay maging tunay na katiwala at hindi tagasira ng kalikasan. nangangahulugan yan na titingnan natin ang ating mentalidad,ang ating ugali, ang ating lifestyle,” he added.

(We should strive for ecological conversion so that we can be stewards and not destroyers of the environment. It means that we should practice it in our thoughts, acts and in our lifestyle.)