Palma hopes for vote-buying-free polls

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma hopes that candidates will not resort to vote-buying and instead present good platforms to the people.

The prelate also hopes that more pro-life candidates will win in the May 13 elections.

“We started to bring out the issue (on vote-buying) in the open. It may come gradually, but the fact that we have started, it will eventually be solved. Let’s pray that in the future both politicians and people more resolved, not to resort to vote-buying,” Palma said.

He added the church is doing its best to educate the people on the harm vote-buying may cause.

During the Cebu Citizen’s Involvement and Maturity in People’s Empowerment and Liberation (C-CIMPEL) Command Conference yesterday at the Archbishop’s Palace Residence, Palma is asking the public to continue praying for guidance in choosing the right candidates.

He reminded the public that their vote is sacred and it is not for sale.

“Mao kini atong pamaagi nga makahatag kitag kaayuhan sa atong nasud,” Palma said.

Palma is optimistic that elections in Cebu will be peaceful.

“Cebu will not be that problematic compared to other areas. I expect and I hope and I pray for peaceful and clean elections,” he said.

He said that they have given their best in terms of organizing people in a non-partisan way like the C-CIMPEL and others in a trans-partisan way by the lay initiatives, which is part of the discernment for election.

“This is part of the process of growth in terms of awareness of how important elections are, regarding on-going discernment, prayer and study and making people aware that we deserve the people that we put into office,” Palma said.

Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Region 7 Director Temie Lambino, for his part, said that they “are very much ready” for the May 13 polls.

“If the elections would be conducted now, it would be successful,” Lambino said.

Lambino added that the help of C-CIMPEL volunteers will ensure the success of the elections.

“Civil society normally would help in the endeavors of the government,” said Lambino.

Lambino added the poll body is also doing efforts to monitor vote-buying.

C-CIMPEL Executive Director Marilou Chiongbian said that although their volunteers will help in attaining peaceful, honest, and clean elections, it will be hard for them to document cases of vote buying.

“It’s really very hard, because legally you need the buyer and the seller. So, when you sign the affidavits, who will be the ones to sign as the buyer and the seller?” Chiongbian said.

She said what the C-CIMPEL volunteers can do is take pictures if they see such actions. —/MBG (FREEMAN)