Walk for an honest election
More than 200 participants pose at the San Jose school yard.Values that a voter should look for in a candidate
“Be honest,” is more than just a slogan but it is the advocacy of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) of the Iloilo Chapter campaigning for a Clean, Wise and Honest May 10 election.
BCBP, in partnerships with PPCRV (Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting) and COMELEC (Commission on Elections) made a genuine effort to assemble over 200 participants to walk for their campaign, “Bumoto Ng Tapat, Bumoto Ng Nararapat.”
The volunteers gathered at the St. Clement Church grounds Sunday morning. Only a couple of minutes into the walk and more volunteers came from Lapuz and Barrio Obrero to join. Even BCBP’s Chapter Head Engr. Jimi Jegonia, Commission on Leyte Fr. Joel Rudi, Monsignor Meliton Oso’s PPCRV parish representative Fr. Mark Lester Senina, and Regional Council Director of Panay Doy Andrada worked up a sweat walking to the San Jose Parish with a clear message to be recognized.
The message of the campaign echoed to the responses of various age levels from elementary children to the elderly. Every participant was advocating the same purpose: to educate citizens to practice their sovereign right to vote and applying the values of the Church to be the guide for responsible and moral voting.
“Bumoto Ng Tapat, Bumoto Ng Nararapat” does not and will not endorse any candidate. However, the campaign introduces five important characteristics of which a suitable leader should entail: God-fearing, patriotic, intelligent, industrious and with integrity. He or she should also be courageous, will fight against corruption and not easily swayed by material benefits.
“First we are encouraging the Ilonggos to go out and vote. Secondly, we ask that they evaluate the gospel as the source of moral value during the time of election and lastly, discerning our actions, choices and approach in electing our leaders,” Regional Council Director Doy Andrada said.
