CBCP asks voters to choose candidates with three Cs
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday called on Filipino voters to choose candidates who have the three Cs: commitment, competence and conscience, for the common good.
The CBCP issued a pastoral statement in which its vice-president, Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, noted that "belonging to a political dynasty is no assurance of competence."
He asked that voters "take democracy in (their) own hands and make it work for (the) communities and future generations." Ledesma stressed that "a candidate with conscience is guided by a sense of morality, of what is morally right or wrong."
Such a candidate is transparent in his actions and accountable for all transactions involving public funds and is expected to uphold at all times the "truth, justice and love."
Ledesma said competence is measured by the individual's public service record and work experience that will assure voters of efficient service.
Once more, the CBCP cautioned voters against vote buying, adding that "the candidate who buys your vote is a candidate without the three Cs".
The CBCP official said commitment, competence and conscience could also be used to gauge a candidate's views on issues of political reforms, corruption, family life and education, environment and extrajudicial killings.
The CBCP's stand on elections issues is considered important by Philippine electorates.
(PNA)