Philippine bishop warns against deceitful candidates

Voters told to be careful as many politicians are dishonest when they claim to have the interests of the poor at heart. 

A Philippine bishop has urged people to be critical in their choice of candidate in presidential and legislative elections next year, saying not all those running for public office “have a heart for the poor.”

Former Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo warned voters on Nov. 8 that politicians have a tendency to deceive voters by making it appear they have the best interests of the poor at heart.

“This year we are being reminded that the poor have always been in our midst. But sad to say, the poor have become victims of politicians who want their votes,” he said in a pastoral letter.

Bishop Pabillo’s message was for the upcoming World Day of the Poor on November 14.

He said the “ultimate test” to see if a candidate was pro-poor was for voters to check whether a candidate had helped the poor before or during a term in public office.

“Don’t believe that they will help the poor when they get elected when they aren’t able to help the poor now,” he added.

The prelate said Catholics who do not help the poor were not being true to the call of discipleship of Christ.

“The presence of poverty is always a challenge and we should respond not because we feel merciful to them but because it is what our faith calls us to do,” Bishop Pabillo said.

“We can never accept the kingship of Jesus if we do not accept the poor as part of our lives. Let us remember that the poor are our brothers and sisters. They too were made in the image and likeness of God. They too were saved by Christ and we shall all be together in heaven.”

Bishop Pabillo said that part of comforting the poor was not only to give them food but to oppose a system that had made them poor, such as corruption in government.

“Part of our effort in fighting for them is to fight systems that oppress them like corruption and environmental degradation,” he said.

The prelate cited environmental concerns on Palawan island over mining, which has allegedly caused landslides and fish deaths.

Indigenous peoples in the region have voiced concerns over illegal logging due to the prospect of a resurgence of mining activities by private corporations after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted a nine-year moratorium on issuing mining permits in April.

Bishop Pabillo said a politician cannot claim he is pro-poor if he takes advantage of the environment.