“You shall not accept a bribe,
for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the testimony and the cause of the righteous” (Exodus 23:8).
Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you.
As we approach our Nation’s Midterm Elections of 2025, We write to you with a heart filled with hope and concern for the future of our beloved province and country. The exercise of our right to vote is not merely a civic duty but a sacred responsibility that demands our utmost attention and discernment. In this crucial time, we call upon all the faithful of the Dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon to actively participate in the electoral process in various capacities – whether as candidates, voters, watchers, supporters, prayer warriors, educators, or peacekeepers – for the purpose of furthering the common good.
We urge each one of you to embrace a spirit of conversion by turning away from all forms of evil practices that have tainted our electoral system, particularly the insidious acts of vote-buying and vote-selling. “Each vote is important, so important that it is sought, bought or even stolen. Our vote is our voice and decision. When we sell our vote, we lose our voice and our decision. It is like giving up our freedom and our future.” On the other hand, vote-buying is a form of electoral bribery that is considered sinful in the sight of God. Let us together commit ourselves to creating a new history of fair and clean elections, where the voice of the people is heard without the influence of undue and unethical practices.
To achieve this noble goal, we call upon all Church and State authorities, non-governmental organization heads, school educators, mainstream and social media influencers, and movers and shakers of society to work hand in hand for voters education. Let us strive to empower our fellow citizens with knowledge, wisdom, and discernment, so that they may make informed and responsible choices at the ballot box.
In particular, we challenge all Church leaders and workers in the Dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon to redouble their efforts in the formation of voters’ civic consciences. Let us not only provide guidance on moral and social issues, but also encourage a deep reflection on the values and principles that should guide our political decisions, so that we “explicitly promote the election to public office of leaders of true integrity.” May our parishes and communities be places of dialogue, prayer, and discernment, where the light of truth and justice shines brightly.
We would like to make a heartfelt appeal to all designated leaders of political candidates—some of whom are our church catechists and BEC leaders—not to engage in the vote-buying activities of politicians. Participating in such immoral acts diminishes your dignity and credibility in the community.
Furthermore, we strongly urge individuals who are capable and committed to consider seeking public office, even if their financial resources are limited. Do not hesitate to present yourself for public service. We hearken to the words of Pope Francis when he says that “a good Catholic meddles in politics, offering the best of himself, so that those who govern can govern.” We in the Church will do all we can to educate voters’ minds and civic consciences to ensure you have a fair chance of getting elected. We will collaborate with all individuals of goodwill to find new ways of promoting honesty and integrity in the upcoming elections, as the Holy Father himself states, politics is “a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity inasmuch as it seeks the common good.”
In conclusion, let us entrust the upcoming Midterm Elections of 2025 into the hands of the Almighty God, who is the source of all authority and justice. May His grace guide us in our actions, His wisdom enlighten our minds, and His love inspire us to work for the common good of all.
With our prayers and blessings for each one of you, we remain
+Alberto S. Uy
Bishop of Tagbilaran
+Patrick Daniel Y. Parcon
Bishop of Talibon
