Exercise prayerful vigilance, frustrate electoral fraud--Clergy

We, the convenors of the National Clergy Discernment Group (NCDG), enjoin the citizenry to exercise prayerful vigilance in the light of developments surrounding the forthcoming national elections.

At this late stage, the Commission on Elections has not convinced the electorate of its capability to conduct the first automated election process. The large scale malfunctioning of the PICOS machines plus the inadequate preparation and training of their operators, together with numerous other technical glitches, contribute to the growing public anxiety. There is no way the patently corrupt and unpopular Arroyo Administration can guarantee clean and peaceful elections. Pre-election violence is escalating by the day and the fear of a possible failure of elections is mounting.

Notwithstanding the perception that the elections will not bring about the general social transformation the country needs, it is important, if not decisive, that citizens continue to exercise the right to choose their leaders through the electoral process. Responsible participation in the elections can only strengthen our hope that the fight against poverty and oppression will continue. The practice of universal suffrage is vital to our democratic way of life.

As Christians and members of the Church we must strive to frustrate electoral fraud and any attempt to deprive the people of its right to better social and economic opportunities that will bring about significant and lasting changes in our society. It is necessary that all concerned citizens, open-minded sectors of civil society, together with patriotic members of the armed forces to unite and upset the efforts of unscrupulous members of the present regime to prolong the people’s agony by installing a holdover government headed by the shameless Macapagal-Arroyo. A military take-over has no place in a democracy and must likewise be rejected by all means.

The struggle for a political and social transformation that will benefit the majority of the population, especially the marginalized and excluded, must proceed and continue beyond the May 2010 elections. Let us work to strengthen our democratic system and the institutions that will guarantee real social justice, universal peace and the well-being of every citizen. Let us unite to protect and defend the sovereign will of the Filipino people against malevolent foreign interventions.

We call on the Church to exercise its prophetic role in society to help instill hope and courage in the heart of every Filipino. We call on our religious leaders to take their place alongside God’s people in their march towards true freedom and in their fight for a better future.  May God help us and bless our land, so beautiful yet so beleaguered.

In behalf of the convenors,

Msgr. Manuel Gabriel

Fr. Wilfredo Dulay, MJ

NATIONAL CLERGY DISCERNMENT GROUP
Secretariat: c/o Bahay Daluyan, D. Tuazon St. Quezon City
Tel.No: 510-0734; Mobile: 0919-5965789 # 0921-5575989
E-Mail Address: nationalclergydiscernment2009@gmail.com