IN choosing the country’s next leaders, voters should not consider a candidate’s popularity or money.
“Let us instead consider the qualities and traits of the candidates, their track record, the persons supporting their campaign, as well as who they are supporting,” Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma told reporters after celebrating Mass in yesterday’s observance of Ash Wednesday.
The 65-year-old prelate also challenged every Filipino to shun vote-buying, pray for enlightenment and choose the candidates who will truly serve the people.
Palma said the Catholic Church will never endorse a candidate, although it can come up with guidelines to help educate voters.
When candidates visit him, the archbishop said all he could promise them is prayer.
“That’s the only thing I can promise them because the Church will not campaign for any candidate. We don’t even tell people our individual choices,” Palma said.
Before the elections, Palma said he’s considering having a recollection for local candidates like what he did when he was archbishop of Palo in Leyte.
“We remind them that if ever they will be elected, they should do their best to leave a good legacy to the people. Whatever power they are given should be used for the sake of the people and the good of the community,” he said.
Palma said the election is a “sacred” exercise for people to choose who they want to lead them.
“Let’s believe that we can change for the better. We have a beautiful country if we harness our potential. The basic rule is to choose leaders who will truly serve the country; the kind of people who will journey with us,” he said.