CBCP backs absentee vote bill

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on Congress to immediately pass the absentee voting bill to grant Filipinos all over the world "the full right of citizens of this free country."

Bishop Ramon Arguelles, chairman of the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People, said they fully support the measure which is currently under deliberation at the House of Representatives.

Arguelles stressed that giving Filipino citizens overseas the right to vote for national leaders of the home country is concrete proof of how the government values their sacrifices.

"The Church therefore urges lawmakers to pass the bill for the sake of the new heroes of the Philippines, our ambassadors of goodwill," he said.

On Feb. 17, the Catholic Church and its network of almost a thousand pastoral workers in 48 nations will be celebrating the 16th National Migrants’ Sunday.

The theme of this year’s celebration is "Pastoral Care of Migrants: A Way of Accomplishing the Mission of the Church Today." The CBCP has called on the faithful to observe the day of solidarity with Filipino migrants.

Arguelles noted that there are almost eight million Filipinos scattered in 193 countries and that almost half of the country’s population has a family member living abroad.

"These migrants have been called saviors in these difficult times. They must be recognized for their contribution not only to the economy but also for giving the country a good name in other lands," he said. - Sandy Araneta