MANILA (UCAN/RVA): Priests in the Philippines have begun counselling sessions for Filipinos experiencing post-election stress following the May 9 presidential polls.
Many are those who experienced repression during the martial law years under the late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and who are struggling to come to terms that his son, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., won the elections by a landslide.
They fear history could be about to repeat itself.
Marcos Jr. garnered more than 31 million votes—more than twice the 14.8 million garnered by vice president, Leonor “Leni” Robredo. The vast majority of Marcos’ supporters were too young to remember the rights abuses committed by his father’s regime.
The group of priests called Clergy for the Moral Choice opened its free online counselling service on May 16 “to talk and to accompany” the stressed.
The service is available to anyone seeking help to address mental distress brought about by the recent polls.
The priests said that thousands have experienced post-election stress after Robredo lost to Marcos, Jr.
“[Our] online counseling will see volunteers cater to people left distraught by the election,” the group announced on Facebook.
It said volunteer psychologists and grief counsellors were available.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
The group said handling post-election stress was also “essential” to heal wounds and divisions the election caused between family members and friends.
“Some family members have refused to talk to each other because of politics. Some supported Marcos, others supported Robredo,” Genevieve de Leon, a volunteer psychologist, said.
“They blame each other for the kind of future the country will have,” she said.
“Some of us even find it difficult to accept the election is over. Those who have already won are still attacking those who lost,” creating social divisions, De Leon noted, adding, “It is important that everyone show respect to avoid any further stress and divisions.”
At this time, it would be better for all to stay calm and for everyone to believe in the democratic process. Let us continue to love, care, and pray for our country
A priest from Cubao who requested anonymity, “Many have reached out and many have observed post-election stress in social media as well. Robredo’s supporters were left sad, confused, angry, and anxious because of Marcos, Jr.’s win. They could not understand why 31 million people voted for him.”
He said, “We are urging the faithful to remain calm and to avoid spreading unverified information that will further exacerbate tensions.”
Jose Cardinal Advincula the archbishop ofManila echoed the call on May 16.
“At this time, it would be better for all to stay calm and for everyone to believe in the democratic process. Let us continue to love, care, and pray for our country,” Cardinal Advincula said in a post-election message.
On May 15, Bishop Raul Dael of Tandag City, in the province of Surigao del Sur in the Caraga region of Mindanao, noted that the election was “different,” mainly because so many votes were bought, RVA News reported.
In a statement posted on the Facebook page of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tandag Bishop Dael said, “It cannot be denied that many are happy because of the great amount of money they receive[d] in exchange for their sacred vote.”
“Our province, in the midst of our slump, has perhaps the largest voter exchange rate in the whole country,” the bishop added
“Should we be proud of this?” he asked.
He advised elected officials to “Contact those who didn’t vote for you.”
“Show kindness and respect to your opponent,” he added.
The bishop emphasized that different political and democratic views are okay and, if handled well, can help people see leadership in a better way.
Bishop Dael said, “Throughout your years of service, have an open mind.” This will “broaden your perspectives.”
