MANILA (Agencies): “We will, as always, exercise principled cooperation with the government. With our post-election accountability programme we will hold him and all elected officials liable for all their election promises,” Caritas Philippines said in a statement after a joint session of the Philippine Congress officially declared Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte the winners of recent presidential polls on May 25 CBCPNews reported.
The organisation said it would work with the Marcos administration on initiatives that will “respect the rights and dignity of the Filipino people.”
Caritas said it was open to working with Marcos and his government officials as long as their policies respect the rights and dignity of the people adding that it will support programmes that “honour the rule of law and history” and will “make government more accountable to its people.”
The statement said, “With our post-election accountability program, we will hold him and all elected officials liable for all their election promises.” Caritas said, adding, “In all that is to come, we pray that his administration will be guided by justice, inspired by the people who elected him, and fuelled by true patriotism.
Meanwhile on May 26, LiCAS.news reported that Divine Word Father Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva, who works with the homeless and the families of victims of extrajudicial killings, called the election of Marcos and Duterte is “painful” and “tragic.”
Father Villanueva lamented, “Human rights and defending human rights has become a tiring endeavour, especially when those you’re defending choose to elect the very person who persecutes them.”
“Thus, the call now is to educate and empower the ‘MOST’—marginalised, oppressed, suffering and tormented,” he added.
“In educating, we combat ignorance. And true empowerment follows,” Father Villanueva.
Ecumenical youth group, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, called the incoming administration “nothing but a vile continuation of tyrannical and oppressive regimes that are the apex of dirty politics in the Philippines.”
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:
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Kej Andres, the national spokesperson of the organisation said, “Objectively, the Philippines got poorer and worse under the rules of Marcos Sr. and Rodrigo Duterte. No amount of historical distortion can sweep the horrors of martial law of Marcos and the failed pandemic response of Duterte.”
He warned that “massive disinformation and historical distortion will only worsen” under a Marcos-Duterte administration, LiCAS.news reported.
UCAN reported that following the proclamation, Marcos Jr. asked for prayers that he may run the country well.
“I am inspired by this responsibility that has been given me. So, I ask you all: Pray for me, wish me well because when a president does well, the country does well. And I want to do well for this country,” Marcos Jr. said.
He assured his critics that he would not disappoint them and would do his best after his landslide win against outgoing vice president, Leni Robredo.
Marcos and Duterte assume office on June 30.
