CBCP exec endorses bets advocating interest of OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday called on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to vote for national candidates who will fight for their interests in the midterm polls this May. 

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP episcopal commission on migrants and itinerant people, said OFWs should support candidates who they think will really help improve, promote and preserve their living and not those who suppress and destroy it. 

“Vote for candidates who will really work hard for them, those who are after our wellbeing and will not side and work only for certain person, not for particular party and not for personal benefits,” Santos said in a statement.

The prelate said OFWs should consider their welfare in choosing the lawmakers they will vote for in the elections.

“Those whom they will vote must be like them... as OFWs who are honest, hardworking and helpful to others,” he appealed.

“Decide for candidates who are honest, who will not steal nor tainted with graft and corruption,” he added.

The ECMI head suggested that OFWs, for instance, should support candidates who will take care of their balikbayan boxes, create jobs in the country for them and help promote their rights and dignity.

Last month, the CBCP led by its president Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles urged the faithful to be very discerning in electing officials during the midterm polls with the common good in mind.

“Let the lay groups engage in discernment circles to help one another know the candidates well and choose the candidates with the common good of the whole country in mind and not according to what the candidates promise, much less according to what voters have received from these candidates,” the CBCP said.