The social action arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines called on Filipinos to register for next year’s national elections.
On Sunday, May 9, churches across the country rang their bells to remind voters to exercise their right to vote next year.
“[It’s] exactly a year away from the 2022 elections,” read a social media post of the National Secretariat for Social Action/Caritas Philippines.
“To signify our urgent call for voters’ registration, we urge you to join the nationwide ringing of church bells at 12 noon on May 9 after the Angelus,” it said.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines, urged his fellow church leaders to take part in the activity to show their love for the nation.
“Let’s awaken and enliven once more our love for the country,” said the prelate.
Father Antonio Labiao, executive secretary of Caritas Philippines, stressed the importance of “mobilizing citizens” toward active engagement in the elections.
“It’s important for the Church, if we are serious with our mandate, to actively participate,” said Father Labiao. “This is a call for us to get involved in good governance,” he said.
Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, president of the Catholic bishops’ conference, said the electoral process is “our sacred duty, not only as Filipinos but as Christians.”
