AS THE election fever heats up, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo has urged candidates and voters to shun violence and to focus on the real issues at hand.
“Let us not be too impassioned by the elections. This ought to be a time for rational thinking and spiritual reflection so that whoever we elect into office would truly serve the development of our country and the common good,” he said.
Villarojo was commenting on reports of political violence in Dumanjug town, Cebu.
The bishop said candidates for next year’s polls should present their platforms of governance instead of resorting to violence.
“Let us make this election a way to move forward in the development of our country by being conscientious, and by knowing our candidates,” he said.
In an earlier interview, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma also denounced the attacks in barangay Masa, Dumanjug.
“Anything that involves violence is a sign that our politics has reached a point that is undesirable,” he said.
Last Dec. 4, assailants shot up an SUV and lobbed a grenade at the parked vehicle of Rene Asentista, a candidate for vice mayor in Dumanjug.
Three suspects were arrested.
A shootout with policemen a few days later resulted in the death of barangay Masa councilman Wilfredo Albios and another man. Albios was supporter of Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia.