Reject thieves, Lacson asks voters

FILE PHOTO: Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.(Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — On election day, Filipino voters must stand firm to resist becoming partners of thieves, and to “stand mightily” against the evils of their actions, presidential aspirant Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Monday.

Lacson reminded voters that it would be their choice on election day that would allow thieves to invade the coffers of government and deprive the people of their right to education, jobs, health, a decent livelihood, and most important of all, the future of their children.

“For the longest time, we have witnessed how corruption, the worst form of thievery continues to destroy our nation. And we only have ourselves to blame,” he said in a recorded message for the country’s celebration of National Bible Day.

He said that while the street robber chooses the helpless as victims and rob them of their belongings, whether jewelries or hard-earned cash, a corrupt politician will rob indiscriminately.

Lacson said it was the voters on election day who can choose whether or not they would put thieves in office.

“Just for one day, on election day, let us not allow ourselves to be partners of the thieves. Let us stand mightily against the evils of their actions,” he said.

Citing his mother’s teachings, which she eventually passed on to her children, Lacson said his mother always regarded the Holy Bible as a source of hope, guidance and strength.

“Among the many verses that stand close to my heart is the passage in the Book of John, Chapter 10 Verse 10, where Jesus said, ‘the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy,’” he said.

According to Lacson, the passage reminds Filipinos of the “greatest challenge” they face as a country to not turn a blind eye on the “deeply entrenched thievery” in government.

“The deeply entrenched thievery that steals and kills and destroys — a sin contrary to the law of God, so does the act of anyone who joins the thief by keeping a blind eye on his selfish act,” he said.

Data from the Commission on Elections show that about 63 million Filipinos are expected to cast their votes in the May 9 elections, and will elect the country’s new leaders from the president, vice president, 12 senators, House representatives, and local government officials from governor down to town councilor.