Philippine Bishops: Country needs competent leaders to advance people's wellbeing

In a pastoral letter issued on March 27, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said that the most critical quality for leaders to have is the willingness to serve the welfare of their people and country.

"We need competent leaders and lawmakers with sincere intentions to serve the welfare of our communities," said Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David, president of CBCP.

He addressed this issue to all Filipino Catholics regarding the next national and local elections on May 9, 2022.

David said that being a leader in a country that is both volatile and ambiguous requires both skill and a genuine desire to help.

The prelate said that the capable character of a leader can also be seen in public servants' principal role, which is to "defend liberty and promote the common good."

He says that the primary character of leaders is those who want to work "to enhance the lives of our people, particularly the poor and vulnerable."

Filipinos will vote for qualified leaders who put the country's needs first, Bishop David hopes.

"Let us seek those candidates who prioritize life and dignity of the human person; protect the family, community, and encourage participation; defend rights and fulfill responsibilities," he said.

He also said that a good leader can show preferential options for the poor and vulnerable, protect workers' rights, promote solidarity, and care for God's creation.

Bishop David tells all Filipinos that when they vote for a good leader, they should keep moral principles in mind and not compromise them.

"Let us follow our conscience, striving to maintain an informed and correct conscience," he said.

“May we not be paralyzed by evil or by our failures. Upholding the good is a fight against evil. Let us not give up the search for the truth and our concern for the common good, “he concluded.