The prelate of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz in the southern Philippines appealed to the faithful to “stop the character assassination” ahead of this year’s national elections.
“We should avoid dignity assassination so that we can show that we are really living the Gospel and we are proclaiming what is good for one another,” said Archbishop Martin Jumoad of Ozamiz.
“We should be neighbor with each other,” he said in an interview over Radio Veritas 846.
The prelate noted that as the May 9 elections near, people have been making allegations against each other to promote their candidates.
“We should look closely at the candidates, whether what they have done are according to the Gospel, their character, their attitude,” said Archbishop Jumoad.
He said it would also be good for people to look into what the candidates have done and what they will do after the elections.
The country’s Catholic bishops have earlier issued a pastoral statement urging voters to use their vote in May to protect their freedom and ensure the common good.
“We must improve the lives of our people, especially the poor and the vulnerable. This is the primary responsibility of a public servant,” said the bishops in March.
“We need competent leaders and lawmakers with sincere intentions to serve the welfare of our communities, i.e., municipalities, cities, provinces and the whole country,” read the pastoral letter titled “Be Concerned about the Welfare of Others.”
On May 9, Filipinos will vote for a new president, vice president, 12 senators, and a new term for local officials.
