ASIA/PHILIPPINES - The direct commitment of the baptized for a responsible vote in view of the May 2025 elections

Manila (Agenzia Fides) - The Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) invites you to a journey of prayer and action in view of the May 2025 parliamentary elections. The ecclesial movement, founded in 1991, wants to contribute - both spiritually and with concrete actions - to the proper conduct of the elections. "We would like to invoke the help of Divine Providence so that Filipinos do their part to ensure transparent, honest, responsible and peaceful elections," explains Ana Singson, spokesperson of the movement, which has carried out awareness campaigns in all dioceses, to Fides. Plans include liturgical celebrations organized by various Catholic parishes and schools, information and cultural events, study seminars and, finally, the mobilization of about 450,000 volunteers who will be deployed in polling stations and voting centers across the country to observe the electoral process in all its stages.
The PPCRV has been duly accredited by the National Elections Commission (COMELEC) as the citizen body responsible for monitoring electoral processes. As the Elections Commission announced, the May 2025 election will see the introduction of the new automated voting system and, again, close monitoring by observers at the counting machines is necessary to ensure the complete regularity of the processes. "We are reaching out to the laity and especially to young people," said Ana Singson, "in a non-partisan manner, but with the understanding that everyone's contribution is crucial to ensure that the democratic process remains lively and meaningful for future generations." The PPCRV sees young people as "not only the future of our democracy but also an essential part of its present." "Young people," the association said, "play a crucial role, not only for the future but also for the present." The PPCRV held a general assembly in Manila last December, attended by 159 coordinators from dioceses across the country. They renewed their commitment to promote the principles of transparency, honesty, peace and accountability applied to the civil and political transition the country is currently undergoing. "This commitment is not a slogan but a profound reflection of Christ's victory and his redemptive power. Christ calls each of us to embody hope, courage and integrity as we face the challenges before us," said PPCRV President Evelyn Singson. The Archbishop of Caceres, Rex Alarcon, the spiritual advisor of the movement, stressed the importance of being an "informed conscience of the nation": "Faith as a foundation and love of the country as a guide: if we follow these principles, every effort, no matter how small, contributes to building a nation characterized by integrity, justice and hope." On January 12, a mass was celebrated in the Visayas region (Central Philippines) in the Archdiocese of Cebu. The Archbishop of Cebu, Jose S. Palma, who celebrated the mass, emphasized: "Our baptism makes us heralds of the Good News, leads us to witness our faith in Jesus and to make this testimony tangible in our activities and various services in society. Good politics is at the service of peace and the common good." Another Mass will be held in Mindanao, in the south of the Philippines, as part of the initiative, and will be presided over by Romulo Valles, Archbishop of Davao.
The legislative elections in the Philippines will take place on May 12, 2025. A total of 317 seats in the House of Representatives and 12 of the 24 seats in the Senate will be up for election in view of the 20th Congress of the Philippines. In addition, local elections will be held in all provinces, cities and municipalities in the country. They are called "midterm elections" because those elected will take office in the middle of the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 14/1/2024)

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