Voters asked to pick bets who think for the good

CEBU, Philippines - A Church official urged voters to choose candidates who always think of what's good for the people, not only in material progress but also spiritual progress.

Monsignor Esteban Binghay, the Episcopal vicar of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said that these should be the qualities of the candidates that should be voted into office.

He said he is saddened that most of the voters, who are still not aware of their responsibilities during the elections, seem to be owned by political parties or politicians.

"Ang mga voters nato, kadaghanan sa mga wala pa kahibalo sa ilang mga obligasyon, daw sama sa gitag-iya na ug partido. Adunay usa ka leader nga bayaran aning mga partido ug hatagan ug kwarta aron maoy mobantay sa 10-20 ka mga botante. Piligro na kaayo ni sila nga paliton, ilabi na katong mga mahadlok nga gitag-iya na ug usa ka politiko," Binghay said.

Binghay said that some of these voters will just copy what is written in the ballots given to them after being given false promises that once certain political parties will get a perfect vote in one barangay, they will get cash incentives. He added that even workers in some companies, are also forced to have block voting.

"These are some of the reasons why there are politicians elected to office who are not trustworthy. Bisan gi-edukar sa simbahan pero sa ting-election na, madala lang gihapon sa kwarta," Binghay said.

Binghay said the educated and the professionals, who already know how to analyze and have their own personal views, cannot be easily persuaded with money.

He added that the Filipino voters already have a culture of political patronage but he is hopeful that once people will be well-educated, this will be stopped.

"Mobutar ta, dili tungod lang kay atong kaugalingon lang atong gihunahuna, kundi mobutar ta para sa kaayohan sa tibuok katilingban ug sa tibuok nasud," Binghay said.

Binghay said that the consistent voter's education has gradually shown positive effects as most of the voters who underwent voter's education could no longer be easily persuaded by money.

"These voters will listen and are already aware sa kapaitan ug kalisud sa pagdala sa pamunuan sa ilang katilingban. Ug kay nakatilaw na sila sa kalisud, maung makahunahuna na sila nga makalingkawas sa maung pamunuan," Binghay said.

He even praised lay groups who campaign for candidates whom they see as righteous.

"Aduna na ni silay gi-recommend and gi-representar aron makahibalo ang tawo kung kinsay angayan butaran. Mga anti-RH and not those who will not consider the sentiments of the Catholic or Christian faith," Binghay said.

Binghay also praised some politicians who talk about relevant issues during their campaigns.  (FREEMAN)