CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma has called on all incoming local officials to prioritize genuine public service over personnel interest as they prepare to assume office on June 30, 2025.
Palma said officials must fulfill their campaign promises and view their electoral mandate as the “voice of the people,” which he equated to the voice of God.
Palma issued the statement in an interview at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Monday, June 23, after the awarding and recognition of the Jubilee Year of the Laity.
The May 12 midterm elections saw several local officials reelected, while several new officials also won seats.
“It is a clear voice of the people in a democratic government. Your responsibility is, of course, to God and to the people to make the community aware that their trust should not be made in vain,” said Palma in a message to incoming local officials.
Palma urged public officials to seek divine guidance and strength, and to put their trust in the Lord.
“The gift that we receive should be made a way of making people believe God is good and we are instruments to spread goodness everywhere,” said Palma.
Palma also expressed hopes that world leaders will pursue peaceful dialogue in addressing differences and conflicts.
Palma echoed the call of Pope Leo XVI to end armed conflict and the ongoing tension between Israel and Iran.
The Holy Father had said: “War does not solve problems. On the contrary, it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples, which take generations to heal. No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, or stolen futures. May diplomacy silence the weapons.”
“Definitely, this is a very big issue, the economy, the oil price. You know, whatever happens to the world, it affects the whole country… This is a global village,” Palma said.
“They may be far, but we’re just a small world in that sense. From wheat to oil, you know, to the many other effects to the economy. We certainly affect one another,” he added. / EHP