“Someday there will be a king who rules with integrity and national leaders who govern with justice. Each of them will be like a shelter from the wind and a place to hide from storms. They will be like streams flowing in a desert, like the shadow of a giant rock in a barren land. A stupid person is evil and does evil things; he plots to ruin the poor with lies and to keep them from getting their rights. But an honorable person acts honestly and stands firm for what is right.” (Isaiah 32:1-2, 7, GNB)
The 2019 midterm elections is set against the backdrop of worsening economic, political, and social crisis. It comes at a time when the number of people mired in poverty continues to increase while the respect for the rule of law, human rights and God’s gift of human dignity is at an all-time low. Now, more than ever, our country calls for our participation with utmost discernment as Christians and as Filipinos.
Therefore, our discernment on the upcoming midterm elections is very crucial and decisive in the life of our nation. It is in this light that we, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines – the largest aggrupation of mainline Protestant and non-Roman Catholic churches and service institutions – urge the voting public to ensure that our country elect candidates for an independent senate, and, political parties who are principled and keep the interests of the people above all else. Let us elect leaders that will ensure that ours will be a vibrant democracy. We urge everyone to discern on the basis of Social Justice, Peace, Righteousness and Good Governance, National Sovereignty, and Integrity of God’s Creation. Let us vote for party list groups and candidates: who champion the rights of the poor farmers, workers, women, youth, children, indigenous people, and all marginalized sectors; who stand for national sovereignty and genuine development for all Filipinos; who honor the government as a public trust and has no record of corruption; who will continue to work for positive transformation in society and for peace based on justice; and protect God’s creation and work for sustainable development.
Let us be reminded that the national election is an arena where we can help secure the election of candidates who are committed to working for the oppressed and the exploited. The elections may not bring about the needed changes, which the people have long clamored and struggled for. Therefore, the more important task for the churches is to accompany the poor in their journey toward their Promised Land, whether in season (election time) or out of season (after election time)… and meanwhile, the church is challenged to participate in the politics of change.
Further on, we call on our fellow Filipinos to ensure that our right to vote is respected, protected, and exercised truthfully. Let us be united and safeguard an honest, orderly, and peaceful elections this coming May 13. Prayerfully and unafraid, let us denounce the evils in our society and announce God’s good news for transformation!
JUSTICE RAOUL V. VICTORINO, Ret.
Chairperson
BISHOP RODOLFO A. JUAN
Vice-Chairperson
REV. DR. SHARON ROSE JOY RUIZ-DUREMDES
Vice-Chairperson
MS. LISSA BELLE R. BROWN
Vice-Chairperson
MS. MINNIE ANNE MATA- CALUB
Acting General Secretary
MR. REYNALDO M. NATIVIDAD
Corporate Treasurer
May 12, 2019
Download PDF: NCCP Statement on the 2019 National Midterm Elections