Priests, church leaders told to be non-partisan

ALL priests and other leaders under the Archdiocese of Davao are reminded to be non-partisan in the upcoming 2022 national and local elections.

Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said in Circular No. 33 dated April 12, directed to all parish priests and Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK) leaders and "brothers and sisters," that they are to "continue to engage in a non-partisan way in elections related activities."

"We remind ourselves that our participation is grounded in the Gospel demands of love and service to our people, to work for the common good.. We are doing our best to help our government make these elections peaceful and credible," Valles said.

The archbishop, who was a former Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, meanwhile, urged the parishes to support the activities of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).

PPCRV is an election watchdog under the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines, accredited by the Commission on Elections.

Valles also reminded them to be "mindful" in their election-related activities as the city is still under Alert Level 1.

CBCP, meanwhile, issued a Pastoral Letter on the 2022 elections on March 26, reminding voters that each vote is important.

“Each vote is important, so important that it is sought, bought or even stolen. Our vote is our voice and decision,” CBCP President Kalookan Bishop Pablo David said.

“When we sell our vote, we lose our voice and our decision. It is like giving up our freedom and our future,” David added.