SUNSTAR Bacolod pays me to express my opinions. The caveats that I can remember when I came on board in 2002 was to get my facts straight, focus on local issue, and to be careful with my verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that might be construed as libelous. So I have to be friends with the word “alleged” when I have to assert something that have to be proved in court or backed up with facts from experts.
Of course, the views and opinions expressed of the writer do not necessarily state or reflect those of the company and its management.
As an environment, peace, and human rights advocate, I have plenty of issues to write about. I write as an influencer and hope to touch base with my publics.
And these coming midterm elections are no exception. And this time, as a Catholic charismatic, that my words can lead my readers to God.
Thus, I am aghast at the recent news that the El Shaddai group of Bro. Mike Velarde has come up with a long list of 14 senatorial candidates from which its members could choose to vote for in the midterm elections on May 13.
If it’s Mr Velarde’s personal views, I have no problem with that. I know many Feasters who are on the opposite sides of the aisle. We get along quite well. We are united in Jesus Christ.
I have friends from other Catholic charismatic groups as well. Couples and its affiliates Singles, Handmaids for Christ. The same with the Bukas Loob sa Diyos (BLD) Catholic Charismatic Covenant Community. These organizations are serving the Lord here in Negros Occidental. I know their members have their individual preferences.
But none have espoused bloc voting. Velarde, whose support is traditionally courted by politicians, said he would ask the group’s followers to choose only 12 from the 14 names, whom he believes are all deserving of support.
But Velarde added, El Shaddai’s own party list, Buhay, was able to get some two million votes in the previous election, and could deliver as much or even more in the May polls. Is the group insinuating that their numbers can be used to be the kingmakers of certain politicos?
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines noted: “In our country today the checks and balances in the government are being undermined. So far the Senate is the institution in the government that is holding out as our country is inching toward total control.
It is very crucial therefore that we elect public officials who are principled, courageous and who have the common good as their main concern and not their own political interests. We encourage voters to be very discerning in their votes.” These are guidelines, not diktats.
True, let us all discern for ourselves. But let us not allow ourselves to be dictated on our choices. As the Catechism states: “God willed that man should be ‘left in the hand of his own counsel,’ so that he might of his own accord seek his Creator and freely attain his full and blessed perfection by cleaving to him.” (bqsanc@yahoomail.com)