As the midterm election nears, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle urged young voters to exercise their “Godly vote” in choosing the candidates to fill up the 18,000 positions in the local and national level.
“Let us carefully study the character of the candidates, which must be done in a humble manner. Let us be aware of our own limitations in sizing up these candidates – both their strengths and weaknesses. It might be a difficult process but this should not discourage you from voting or from voting just for the sake of being able to vote,” Tagle said during the recent launching of the Special Election Program of Radio Veritas called “Simbahan at Halalan 2019: Debate ng mga Kabataang Botante” on the topic “Godly Vote.”
The Commission on Elections said, that of the 60 million registered voters for the May polls, around 20 million belong to the youth sector or those from ages 18 to 35 years old.
The debate airs over Church-run Radio Veritas and may be viewed live over Veritas846.ph Facebook account every Monday and Thursday from 6 to 8 a.m.
What can be considered as a Godly vote? “According to the teachings of the Church, it is voting for candidates who always think of the common good and not their personal interests,” His Eminence said.
“Second, it is choosing candidates who value the dignity of life. The primacy of the value of the dignity of human life and the human person must be inherent in them.” Tagle said.
In addition, the cardinal said, it is going for candidates who value the different sectors that comprise a community including the family and his neighborhood.
“Choose those who have programs for the poor, the youth, education, labor, the economy, and other social concerns with the common good as their focus. Also, support those who go for peace and reconciliation, those who prefer dialogue and not harsh and violent measures,” Tagle stressed.
The faith-based radio station earlier stressed that it is not endorsing any candidate in the coming elections. (Christina I. Hermoso)
