Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila urged the country’s theology seminarians to educate the faithful that “it’s alright to participate in a partisan way” in politics.
In a report on CBCP News, the prelate said for many years the Church’s participation in politics has been centered on “voter’s education.”
But when asked who to vote for “we cannot give out names,” said Bishop Pabillo, chairman of the Commission on Laity of the Philippine bishops’ conference.
“We can’t say anything because those who run are ‘trapo’ (traditional politicians). Election is more of a process of choosing the lesser evil,” he said.
The prelate celebrated Mass at the launching of the “Year of Prayer for Clean, Honest, Accurate, Meaningful and Peaceful Elections” by the Seminarians’ Network of the Philippines’ last week.
The prelate noted that one way of engaging in politics in a partisan way is to encourage good people to run for public office.
“Encourage good people to run for politics. It is also a Christian option,” he said.
Bishop Pabillo also said that good people who run for office are usually without political machineries unlike traditional politicians.
“That is why they need the support of good people in order for them to win,” he added.
He noted how crucial next year’s national elections as he urged the seminarians to encourage more people to register and vote.
