A Christian vote to finish off evil, traditional politics

A Christian vote to finish off evil, traditional politics

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:21:00 05/28/2009

Filed Under: Governance, Local authorities, Politics, Religion & Belief, Elections, Eleksyon 2010


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A Christian vote to finish off evil, traditional politics
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I recently attended a symposium on good governance. This was held at St. Peter Gonzales de Thelmo Parish Church here in Aparri. In that forum, Gov. Eduardo “Among Ed” Panlilio graphically narrated how he won the 2007 gubernatorial race in Pampanga. In a scholarly manner, he explained elements of good governance like transparency, accountability and the participation of people in governance, among others, by citing his first-hand experiences as governor.

From my personal point of view, there is nothing new in the concept of governance that he shared. But what was striking to hear was the role and responsibility of the people, especially the Catholic faithful, in promoting good governance. He said that the people should elect the right leaders of this country and should not allow moneyed people like the jueteng lords to ram their anointed candidates down our throats. It would be worse if these kingmakers decide to become the kings themselves. Simply put, our people should vote according to their conscience and should not allow the kingmakers to “fix” the results of elections.

During the open forum, I asked the governor two things: first, is there a deadline for his period of discernment, after which he should tell whether or not he is running for president? Governor Panlilio said that he is not setting a deadline. But when shall we know that his period of discernment is over?

I asked him too whether he would take the challenge to run for president if there would be no good candidates to choose from. He was consistent in his answer that he was open to the possibility of running for the presidency, but only as a last option.

I agree with those who say that the 2010 elections would be a contest between good and evil. If Governor Panlilio runs for the presidency, he would be on the side of the good. But without him as a presidential candidate, the 2010 national elections would be like any previous elections—the playing field of naughty devils. Our country would remain hellish as ever.

Why don’t we have a Christian vote? Let us not be particular about the religious denomination this time. If a presidential candidate is bent to destroy the teachings of Christ then let us finish him off with our Christian vote. As for the presidential candidate who lives the gospel values of Christ, let us support and champion his cause.

—REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
member,
Sangguniang Bayan,
Aparri, Cagayan