4th Pastoral Letter on Elections 2007

Published May 13th, 2007

Written by Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi
http://www.caceres-naga.org

“Let Us Use Our Freedom Responsibly”
4th of the Series of Pastoral Letters on the Elections 2007
(To be read in all Masses on May 13, 2007 - Sunday)

My Dear People of God in Caceres,

Tomorrow, May 14, is Election Day. On this eve of the elections, I wish to remind you, fellow citizens, to take part in this very important political exercise. But first, allow me to recall to your memory what I said in the previous pastoral letters.

In the first pastoral letter entitled “DIRECT OUR HEARTS TO BETTER THINGS, O LORD”, I spoke about the meaning of Lent and the 2007 Elections. They are both an invitation for us to engage in an act of examination, to conversion and renewal. In the same letter, I likewise gave guidelines for choosing candidates like: Competence, Integrity and Commitment to the Common Good.

In the second pastoral letter entitled, “DO NOT BE OVERCOME BY EVIL, BUT CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD”, I addressed the youth regarding their participation in the elections and their important role in the renewal of our institutions, communities and society.

In the third pastoral letter, I spoke about our “VOTE AS OUR DIGNITY AND CHOICE; OUR STAND AND VOICE”, calling on those who consider voting useless and those who think that a single vote would not make any difference.

This time, my dear faithful, I ask you to fulfill responsibly your duties pertaining to the elections. To participate because of your love for God and country. Election day is an occasion when we participate directly in the democratic process.

I encourage the electorate to exercise their right responsibly. Choose our leaders wisely, that is, according to your conscience, based on the truth, and for the sake of the common good.

I call on those directly involved in the management of the electoral process: the COMELEC, government officials, board of elections inspectors, teachers, poll watchers, the army and police force, to fulfill their duties out of sincere love for country and service to fellowmen.

I appeal to the candidates, their parties and supporters to abide by the rule of law; to support and work for an honest and orderly electoral process.

I ask the PPCRV and NAMFREL, civic groups, the media, and other volunteers, to give their best to assist those directly responsible for the elections.

I also call on those who cannot vote and those not directly involved in the elections, to pray and extend support, in whatever way, so that the elections may be meaningful. Let us not forget, the results of the elections affect us all.

My dear, brothers and sisters, there can be many factors affecting your choice and your participation in the elections. In the end, however, your VOTE is your decision and your choice before God. Use your freedom responsibly.

As we all work for a clean, honest, orderly and peaceful elections, let us pray hard and beg the Lord to bless us and protect us all from evil.

+Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D.
Archbishop of Caceres
May 13, 2007

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