Choose reliable leaders to lead the country, CBCP chief urges voters

UNDERSCORING the need for institutional change to effect good governance in the country, the head of the Catholic hierarchy urged the people to exercise their right of suffrage intelligently in the coming elections.

President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Tandag Bishop Nereo Odchimar, in a New Year’s message said, the upcoming 2010 election is an opportunity for Filipinos “to put into office reliable leaders who would guide our nation in the coming years.”

“2010 in our political life is an election year; people through the exercise of their right of suffrage, will effect a power shift in the executive and legislative branches of our civil government,” Odchimar said.

“We must retain what is good, promote what still needs improvement and discard what is base and corrupt,” he stressed.

But the prelate admitted that patronage politics are still the call of the day with many electorates still beholden to politicians who dole out money and favors in exchange for their votes.

“A number of us have remained myopic by focusing our attention only to the satisfaction of the moment, swayed by the glitter of money and promises of patronage, and do not raise our eyes beyond election time to the resultant situation created by our indiscretion,” he lamented.

“Those who have allowed, much worse abetted, corruption to thrive in our midst, do not have the right to complain,” Odchimar further said.

But he said as every voter holds the key to a better future for the country, there is a need for electorates to be informed through voters’ education.

He also urged citizens to be vigilant and resist any attempts by ruthless politicians and their minions to thwart the genuine will of the people.

“If we were a part of the problem yesterday, we can also be a part of the solution today. We hold the key to a better tomorrow,” the CBCP president stressed.

The poor constitute the greater part of the country’s population. They are often wooed by politicians during campaign period with promises of “poverty alleviation, “more jobs” and a better future—pledges that often dissolve in thin air once leaders are elected into office.

Odchimar said the economic situation of the people would have been far better than it was generations back had leaders only shown some political will in exercising their leadership.

He said there is a need for social transformation; but it can only happen if it starts with oneself.

“Election is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. Over and above the factors beyond our capacity, with our great faith in God and in ourselves, we can still make our wish for a happy new year a reality,” he said.

“…Its realization is within reach. Now, more than ever, we hold the promise of a happier Philippines, despite the tragedies that happened in the preceding year,” said the prelate.

Citing the Catholic Church as example, Odchimar said there’s need for institutions to change if it is to go forward.

“No less than the late Holy Father, Pope John XXIII of holy memory, said when he convoked the Second Vatican Council: ‘Ecclesia semper reformanda est.’ (The Church must always be in the process of reform).”