Cardinal David Questions Filipinos’ Poor Choice of Elected Leaders
MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” Cardinal David, recently challenged Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s comment about Filipinos’ poor choice of elected leaders. The four-word keyphrase poor choice of elected leaders was central to the debate sparked by Magalong’s statement.
In a social media post, Cardinal David asked, “‘Di marunong bumoto? Can we blame it on the poor who are the majority of our voters?” This question highlights the complexity behind the voting behavior of many Filipinos.
Mayor Magalong’s Controversial Statement
Earlier, Mayor Magalong was quoted during a protest saying, “Ang problema ho sa Pilipino, hindi ho tayo marunong mamili ng leader natin.” Translated, this means, “The problem with Filipinos is that we don’t know how to choose our leaders.”
His remarks drew criticism and sparked a conversation on the challenges faced by voters, especially those from poorer communities.
Understanding the Voting Behavior of the Majority
Cardinal David explained that many poor Filipinos, who form the majority of the electorate, often find themselves in “survival mode.” This situation compels them to cling to patronage politics as a means of securing immediate aid and support.
“The poor are not simply making a poor choice of elected leaders out of ignorance but are driven by the harsh realities of their daily lives,” community members noted.
Call for Responsibility Among the Educated and Influential
The CBCP president urged those with education and influence to take responsibility in addressing this issue. “We must use the education we have been blessed with, the social media platforms within our reach, and every bit of influence we hold to expose the nakedness of patronage politics,” Cardinal David said.
He further encouraged the educated sector to create platforms that empower the poor rather than treating them as mere recipients of charity. “We must stop treating the poor as mere ‘beneficiaries’ of our charity. Instead, let us listen to them, walk with them, and empower them to take part in solving the deep ills of our nation,” he added.
CBCP’s Call for Inclusive Investigation on Flood-Control Projects
In a related development, the CBCP released a statement advocating for an inclusive investigation into flood-control projects. The statement emphasized that both contractors and government officials should be held accountable.
Mayor Magalong Joins Protest for Transparency
On Sunday, Mayor Magalong joined protesters in Baguio City demanding transparency amid allegations of corruption linked to flood-control projects. His participation in the protest reflects a growing call for accountability in government initiatives.
For more news and updates on the poor choice of elected leaders, visit Filipinokami.com.
