Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila urge Filipinos to stay calm and to have faith in the democratic process in the wake of last week’s national elections.
“In this time, it would be better for all to stay calm and for everyone to believe in the democratic process as we continue to love, sacrifice, and pray for the Philippines,” said the prelate.
In a report on Church-run Radio Veritas 846, Cardinal Advincula assured that the Church will be with the people in working for the good of society and Church leaders will continue to be pastors of the flock.
The cardinal has earlier called on the Filipino people to respect the results of the elections and press for reconciliation among people.
Cardinal Advincula stressed that it is the mission of every Christian to participate in the elections.
“Participating in the elections is part of the mission of the Church. We become good Christians if we are good in our community,” he said.
Several Church leaders from around the country have reported that the recent elections were not marred with any irregularities.
“As of now I haven’t really heard any irregularities from my archdiocese. It was, I think, a peaceful election here,” said Archbishop John Du of Palo.
The prelate said he prays that the winning candidates “will be united in working for the good of all, especially the poor and marginalized.”
“May they always seek the presence of God in their decisions, so that they will always be guided by God’s love,” he said.
The Commission on Elections announced over the weekend that it will proclaim the top 12 candidates in the senatorial race by Wednesday, May 18.
Convening as the National Board of Canvassers tabulating the results of the senatorial and party-list elections, the poll body has so far tallied 159, or 92 percent of 173 certificates of canvass.
The top 12 senatorial candidates are Robin Padilla, Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Chiz Escudero, Mark Villar, Alan Peter Cayetano, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, and Jinggoy Estrada.
The winning party list groups are ACT-CIS, 1-Rider, Tingog, 4Ps, Ako Bicol and Sagip.