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Thursday, February 26, 2004
Performance, not popularity, says Sin
MANILA -- Look at achievements and performance, not popularity.
This was the message of retired Manila archbishop Jaime Cardinal to 40 million voters who will participate in the May 10 elections.
"Do not rely on promises. Look at what they have done so far. If they have done nothing yet, they will do nothing more when elected," Sin said during his homily in the 5:30 p.m. mass held at the Our Lady of Peace church (Edsa Shrine).
The mass marked the 18th anniversary of the first People Power uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.
President Arroyo led the nation in praying for peaceful and orderly elections.
Beware
Sin said voters should not look at candidates who can draw big crowds as this is not enough to conclude that he is capable of running the government once elected into office.
"Look for candidates who can work for the poor and who truly love the poor," the retired archbishop of Manila added.
The President also vowed to live by the principles of the People Power through offering service that prioritizes the welfare of the people and the country above her own interests.
Former president Corazon Aquino, meanwhile, maintained that she will not be endorsing any candidate but will support those who will be elected.
Aquino urged the public to work towards preserving the democracy won by the revolution. She said she was leading a citizen's volunteer group to monitor the conduct of the upcoming May presidential vote.
"What is important is for us to have peaceful and credible elections," Aquino said. She declined to endorse any candidate.
Crowd
Arroyo, who herself was swept into office by a similar uprising that toppled Joseph Estrada in 2001, is running in the election.
Only a small crowd participated in Wednesday's celebrations however, compared with previous years when thousands joined daylong activities.
Aquino said she would get involved in an information campaign to educate voters and to help them choose the right candidates. Marie Neri/JPM
(February 26, 2004 issue)
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