‘Make your mamas proud when you cast your vote’

MANILA, Philippines — “Make your mamas proud when you cast your vote on Monday,” a Catholic bishop urged voters yesterday ahead of the observance of Mother’s Day today.

Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, advised voters to consider candidates who could help make the country a better place for their loved ones.

Santos noted that mothers always put the best interest of their families first.

“So like our mothers, we do all with sincerity, at the service of what and whom we love, and for the safety of all the families. My prayerful greetings for happy Mother’s Day,” Santos said.

He said Filipinos should remember the sacrifices of their mothers, especially those who are compelled to leave their families to work abroad.

Santos said many of these mothers endure the loneliness and risk their safety to be able to provide a better life for their families. 

“As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us remember with gratitude and appreciative heart the sacrifices and services of our mothers. We pray for them, especially the mothers who are OFWs, for their safety, security and sound health,” Santos said.

“We thank God for giving us mothers. What we are now is because of their love for us. Let us become what they want us to be, that is to be mabait at magalang na bata, sa paglaki ay matagumpay at maipagmamalaking anak (a good and respectful child, successful as a grownup and someone to be proud of),” he added.

In his homily last Sunday, Santos urged the electorate to vote for someone like Jesus Christ, who is a “good” shepherd, and not for a “cute or good looking” politician. 

“In choosing your candidates, choose someone who has the Jesus Christ-trait of being a ‘good’ shepherd, one  who would guide and watch over the people’s welfare,” he said.

He urged the people to act like “good shepherds” to others.

“Especially those who would want to be held responsible for the country and city, they should be good shepherds in their leadership and governance,” he said.

Meanwhile, pro-children and women’s groups urged voters to choose candidates that give priority to children’s rights and women’s reproductive health.

In separate statement, the Save the Children Philippines and The Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc. stressed the importance of tomorrow’s elections in protecting women’s and children’s rights.

Albert Muyot, chief executive officer of Save the Children, said the elections should integrate protection of children’s rights in their platform of agenda, particularly those running in local positions.

“Every child should not just survive, but thrive and grow up to make their mark in the world,” Muyot said.

He said local bets should ensure that the rights of children are recognized and protected in their platform of governance.

For The Forum president Benjamin de Leon, voters should go for candidates who care about family planning, reproductive rights and the welfare of children, women and families.

“Our appeal for fellow citizens and voters – this political exercise is not about the senators and other leaders who we will all be voting for. This is not about them. This is about you and about us and how our lives will be in the next months and years,” De Leon said.   – With Sheila Crisostomo