1. Christian Responsibility in Philippine Politics Fr. Amado L. Picardal, CSsR

2. The campaign period has already started and the election fever is spreading throughout the country. The campaign period has already started and the election fever is spreading throughout the country. Every time you watch TV, or listen to the radio, or read the newspapers, the topic the dominates is the coming national and local elections. Every time you watch TV, or listen to the radio, or read the newspapers, the topic the dominates is the coming national and local elections. The question that we should address: What is our responsibility as Christians vis-à-vis Philippine politics? The question that we should address: What is our responsibility as Christians vis-à-vis Philippine politics?

3. I.Analysis of the Philippine Political Culture & Electoral Process. Election/Post-Election Scenario II.Our Responsibility as Christians vis-à-vis Philippine Politics

4. Philippine Politics and Electoral Process

5. Politics & Elections Politics is more than the election. Politics is more than the election. It is the art of governance, which include the making and of implementing laws. It is the art of governance, which include the making and of implementing laws. Politics includes the process of putting people in positions of governance – the electoral process. Politics includes the process of putting people in positions of governance – the electoral process. Thus, in talking about politics we cannot avoid talking about the elections. Thus, in talking about politics we cannot avoid talking about the elections.

6. Elections – an essential component of the democratic system. It gives the citizens the opportunity to choose their own leaders. Without election, there can be no real democracy. Elections – an essential component of the democratic system. It gives the citizens the opportunity to choose their own leaders. Without election, there can be no real democracy. While most Filipinos tend to take the elections seriously, yet there are also many who have become cynical about elections. They doubt whether it is really a true expression of genuine democracy. While most Filipinos tend to take the elections seriously, yet there are also many who have become cynical about elections. They doubt whether it is really a true expression of genuine democracy.

7. Elections Philippine-Style “A mega-entertainment circus for the public” (CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics) “A Popularity Contest “ “A useless competition for power among the various factions within the elite class”

8. An analysis of the kind of candidates running for election and the voting patterns of the electorate will tells us the nature of Philippine politics and electoral process.

9. Candidates for Local Elections (City, Province, Congressional District) Mostly traditional politicians belonging to political clans or dynasties (including their wives, children, etc). Source of income: land, real-estate, businessmen, logging, mining, gambling, etc. Mostly traditional politicians belonging to political clans or dynasties (including their wives, children, etc). Source of income: land, real-estate, businessmen, logging, mining, gambling, etc. Celebrities (movie, sports, media etc.) Celebrities (movie, sports, media etc.) Cause-oriented politicians, either independent or supported by ideological groups (Bayan Muna, Akbayan, etc). Cause-oriented politicians, either independent or supported by ideological groups (Bayan Muna, Akbayan, etc).

10. Candidates: National Elections

11. GMA & The K4 Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Economist, incumbent, daughter of former President Macapagal) Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Economist, incumbent, daughter of former President Macapagal) Noli de Castro, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Sonny Jaworski, Sonny Osmena, Miriam Santiago, Pia Cayetano, Mercado, Biazon, et al. Noli de Castro, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Sonny Jaworski, Sonny Osmena, Miriam Santiago, Pia Cayetano, Mercado, Biazon, et al. (a combination of celebrities and Trapos and balimbings)

12. GMA Strengths devout Catholic devout Catholic Highly educated (PhD in economics) Highly educated (PhD in economics) Hard-working and determined Hard-working and determined Competent cabinet (that includes representatives from Civil Society) Competent cabinet (that includes representatives from Civil Society) Weaknesses Does not keep her word Flip-flops on key issues Perceived as perpetually campaigning Decisions based on political expediency and popularity rather than principles Micro-manager Temperamental (mataray) Controversial husband (Pidal?)

13. FPJ & KNP Fernando Poe, Jr (Actor) Fernando Poe, Jr (Actor) Loren Legarda, Enrile, Tatad, Jinggoy Estrada, Boots Anson Roa, Jamby Madrigal, Lim, Pimentel, et al. Loren Legarda, Enrile, Tatad, Jinggoy Estrada, Boots Anson Roa, Jamby Madrigal, Lim, Pimentel, et al. (a combination of celebrities, recyled Trapos identified with Marcos & Erap) Supported by Honasan and Horacio Morales

14. FPJ Strengths Mass appeal especially to lower classes Mass appeal especially to lower classes High Emotional Quotient High Emotional Quotient Close ties with Marcoses, Cojuangco, & Estrada Close ties with Marcoses, Cojuangco, & Estrada Non-trapo & clean image Non-trapo & clean image Support from movie industry Support from movie industry Weaknesses No political experience, poor qualifications Lacks experience in consensus building Heavy beer drinker & history of getting into fights Perception that he will be a puppet to Trapos

15. Roco & ANP Raul Roco (Lawyer, cause- oriented politician) Herminio Aquino (Uncle of Ninoy Aquino), Yasay, Bong Coo, et al. Supported by PROMDI (Lito Osmena) and REPORMA (De Villa)

16. Roco Strengths Intelligent Intelligent Articulate Articulate Outstanding Track record in government service Outstanding Track record in government service Charismatic personality Charismatic personality Weaknesses Difficulty in fielding local candidates Weak organization Limited election funds Temperamental Tends to do things all by himself

17. Ping Lacson Lacson (former military, PNP chief, Erap boy) Lacson (former military, PNP chief, Erap boy) No vice-president, no senate slate No vice-president, no senate slate Supported by LDP Aquino wing Supported by LDP Aquino wing

18. Ping Strengths Definite platform of government Definite platform of government Support of he Filipino- Chinese community Support of he Filipino- Chinese community Well-groomed Well-groomed Non-trapo image Non-trapo image Can command blind loyalty Can command blind loyalty Weaknesses Aloof, detached, unpredictable Kuratong rubout case Association with fugitives from justice charged with Dacer case Rumored links with narcopolitics Reports of alleged ill- gotten well stashed in US

19. The Electorate A,B,C: The Upper Class/Middle Class (30%) A,B,C: The Upper Class/Middle Class (30%) Can be expected to vote intelligently and according to their conscience Can be expected to vote intelligently and according to their conscience Can not easily be swayed by popularity Can not easily be swayed by popularity Can be critical, cynical & frustrated with the electoral process Can be critical, cynical & frustrated with the electoral process D, E: Lower Class (70%) D, E: Lower Class (70%) Many tend to vote according to popularity Many tend to vote according to popularity Can be beholden to their “patrons” Can be beholden to their “patrons” Can easily sell their votes Can easily sell their votes Youth Vote – 18-24 (35%) Youth Vote – 18-24 (35%)

20. Voting Patterns We have seen how many voters are influenced in choosing certain candidates not out of conscience but because of family relationships. We also know that the popularity of a candidate (often in another field of work such as sports, TV and movies) or the prospects of political and economic rewards, money and gifts--and a wrong sense of utang na loob--are strong factors in people's voting behavior. Competence, honesty, personal integrity and an acceptable program of government are not primary considerations. This is why in their campaigns politicians cater to what the voters want in terms of entertainment and gifts of cash or kind. (CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics)

21. Nature of our Electoral Process Nature of our Electoral Process “ More than ever, political patronage, payoffs, and personalities dominate our electoral process, not principles, party platforms and genuine people’s participation.” CBCP Pastoral Statement on the coming 2004 elections

22. Nature of Philippine Politics Elitist Politics Elitist Politics Patronage Politics Patronage Politics Politics of Personalities rather than Principles & Programs Politics of Personalities rather than Principles & Programs Popularity, Prestige Popularity, Prestige Very weak party system Very weak party system

23. What to Expect during the campaign Negative ad campaign (TV, newspapers) Negative ad campaign (TV, newspapers) Political rallies as Entertainment (sing & dance with politicians and movie stars) Political rallies as Entertainment (sing & dance with politicians and movie stars) Solicitation Solicitation Collection of Permit to Campaign (NPA) Collection of Permit to Campaign (NPA) Delivery of “goods & services” to barangays (especially depressed areas) Delivery of “goods & services” to barangays (especially depressed areas) Participation of politicians in religious activities (fiestas, masses, baptism, retreats, weddings, etc.) Participation of politicians in religious activities (fiestas, masses, baptism, retreats, weddings, etc.) Assassinations, harassments of candidates & campaigners Assassinations, harassments of candidates & campaigners

24. “The campaign period turns the Philippine scene into a mad circus, a vast entertainment plaza. Candidates will, during this period, do whatever their audience bids them to do--in sharp contrast to their deafness to the same people's cries for attention once they are in office. They will dance, clown, kick- box, sing, use gutter language--anything to sell themselves and heighten "name recall." In short, they do everything except educate the electorate on issues. They hire expensive advertizing agencies to polish up their image, often without regard to the truth, and to produce sound-bites and one-liners that will go over well in political rallies and quick interviews on radio and television. All of which only serve to worsen our personality-oriented brand of politics.” (Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics)

25. People take advantage of the campaign period to ask donations for every conceivable "project" from the candidates who are pressured to give under pain of losing valuable votes. This in turn forces candidates to solicit or accept contributions from vested interests who expect a return after the elections. The same goes with the party in power: It misuses government funds and other resources for electioneering purposes. When later those guilty become vulnerable to prosecution, they whitewash investigations with the help of proteges previously deployed in strategic agencies, even go to the extent of legislating amendments to "decriminalize" their violations. (Pastoral Exhortation)

26. What to expect on Election day Generally peaceful Generally peaceful The usual flying voting & vote buying The usual flying voting & vote buying Harassment & ballot snatching in remote areas Harassment & ballot snatching in remote areas Dagdag-bawas operation Dagdag-bawas operation

27. Winning at any cost and by any means--this has become the paramount principle governing candidates and parties in their election bid. This translates on election day itself into vote-buying, the use of "flying voters", the intimidation of voters for the opposition, violence, even murder; and, for turning already cast votes in one's favor, into bribery of election officials, deliberate miscounting of votes, tampering with ballots and election results. The genius and imagination required for cheating are truly stupendous and are exercised to the full--one would only wish they were used for more noble purposes than achieving undeserved victories for undeserving candidates. (CBCP Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics)

28. Confusion is the order of the day in many a community. And it has to be with the final canvassing of election results and the proclamation of winners, as has already been said, taking an unduly long time to happen. Every loser cries "foul!", declares himself cheated, and election results are not accepted. The COMELEC takes its own sweet time deciding on election protests so that when initial verdicts are finally overturned, cheating anomalies corrected, those belatedly declared winners are barely able to assume their seats before the new election takes place. (CBCP Pastoral Exhortation…)

29. Possible outcome: Local Elections The local government will continue to be dominated by traditional politicians belonging to political dynasties & clans. Some actors will continue to be elected especially in urban centers. The local government will continue to be dominated by traditional politicians belonging to political dynasties & clans. Some actors will continue to be elected especially in urban centers. The congress will likewise be dominated by traditional politicians from political clans & dynasties and also from land-owning and business elite The congress will likewise be dominated by traditional politicians from political clans & dynasties and also from land-owning and business elite Elections of more progressives in the party list (Bayan Muna, Akbayan, etc.) Elections of more progressives in the party list (Bayan Muna, Akbayan, etc.)

30. Possible outcome: National Elections Scenario 1: FPJ & Noli de Castro Scenario 1: FPJ & Noli de Castro Scenario 2: Roco Scenario 2: Roco Scenario 3: GMA & Noli de Castro Scenario 3: GMA & Noli de Castro Scenario 4: Ping Lacson Scenario 4: Ping Lacson

31. Scenario 1: victory for FPJ, NDC President (FPJ), vice-President (Noli), senators: showbiz with some trapos (Erap & Marcos boys) President (FPJ), vice-President (Noli), senators: showbiz with some trapos (Erap & Marcos boys) Weak, inexperienced, Incompetent & indecisive leadership, manipulated by Erap forces Weak, inexperienced, Incompetent & indecisive leadership, manipulated by Erap forces The silent President? Release of Estrada? The silent President? Release of Estrada? Lack of business confidence, inability to face the challenge of globalization, further deterioration of the economy Lack of business confidence, inability to face the challenge of globalization, further deterioration of the economy

32. A sense of hopelessness among the middle-forces, more brain-drain. A sense of hopelessness among the middle-forces, more brain-drain. Disenchantment among the masses, the idol/messiah fails to come up to their expectation due to incompetence and lack of political will (the Emperor has no clothes) Disenchantment among the masses, the idol/messiah fails to come up to their expectation due to incompetence and lack of political will (the Emperor has no clothes) He could be overthrown by people power or coup if he proves to be a disaster. He could be overthrown by people power or coup if he proves to be a disaster.

33. Scenario 2: GMA & Noli Election protests from FPJ’s & Roco’s supporters (suspicion that GMA used government funds, machinery, & Comelec to win) Election protests from FPJ’s & Roco’s supporters (suspicion that GMA used government funds, machinery, & Comelec to win) More of the same? More of the same? Continuity of previous program & policies (Pro-US, Peace Process, development program, death penalty, strong republic) Continuity of previous program & policies (Pro-US, Peace Process, development program, death penalty, strong republic) Charter change, federalism, parliamentary system ? Charter change, federalism, parliamentary system ?

34. Scenario 3: Roco A strong political will that could inspire business confidence A strong political will that could inspire business confidence Competent & principled leadership that could rally the nation towards development Competent & principled leadership that could rally the nation towards development Will he adopt liberal/feminist legislative agenda (legalization of abortion & divorce)? Will he adopt liberal/feminist legislative agenda (legalization of abortion & divorce)?

35. Scenario 4: Lacson Wins “Triumph of Narco-politics?” “Triumph of Narco-politics?” Growth of a police state – salvaging, etc. “kamay na bakal” -- iron rule Growth of a police state – salvaging, etc. “kamay na bakal” -- iron rule Political instability and division Political instability and division Another people power? Another people power? Expansion of the revolutionary movement? Expansion of the revolutionary movement?

36. Whoever wins the Election will face the perennial problems of Philippine Society:

37. The Dark Side of Globalization

38. Poverty & Inequality

39. ) The Moro Problem & the MILF Armed Struggle

40. The Armed Struggle waged by the CPP/NDF/NPA

41. Restive Military, Coup Attempts

42. Politics after the Elections Exclusive preserve of elected politicians. Passive citizenry Exclusive preserve of elected politicians. Passive citizenry Breaking of election promises Breaking of election promises Self-serving laws and policies – politics of self- interest (laws to benefit the politicians, big business and foreign capitalists) Self-serving laws and policies – politics of self- interest (laws to benefit the politicians, big business and foreign capitalists) Perpetuation of corruption and patronage politics (to recoup election expenses, and prepare for the next election) Perpetuation of corruption and patronage politics (to recoup election expenses, and prepare for the next election)

43. “ In the Philippines, (politics) degenerated into an arena where the interests of the powerful and rich few are pitted against those of the weak and poor many. “ In the Philippines, (politics) degenerated into an arena where the interests of the powerful and rich few are pitted against those of the weak and poor many. It interferes with the administration of justice and the equal application of the law, heavily weighted as it most patently is on the side of the politically connected. It interferes with the administration of justice and the equal application of the law, heavily weighted as it most patently is on the side of the politically connected. Political debts are paid with appointments to high offices of those to whom elected officials are indebted, blind loyalty counting as the most important criterion in the selection of public officials--even for government agencies mandated to be independent by the Constitution. Political debts are paid with appointments to high offices of those to whom elected officials are indebted, blind loyalty counting as the most important criterion in the selection of public officials--even for government agencies mandated to be independent by the Constitution.

44. The bureaucracy is packed with political protegees, many of whom do nothing except to collect their salaries on the middle and end of each month. The bureaucracy is packed with political protegees, many of whom do nothing except to collect their salaries on the middle and end of each month. Thus the well-intentioned among career officials and employees in government become demoralized early or withdraw into silence or resign altogether. And those who opt to continue despite disillusionment are only too often harassed or eventually coopted into the system. “ (CBCP Pastoral Letter on Politics)

45. Our Responsibility as Christians

46. What is our responsibility as Christians vis-à-vis politics? What is our responsibility as Christians vis-à-vis politics? We can either ignore it or get actively involve. We can either ignore it or get actively involve. Some would dismiss it as a futile & useless exercise that won’t make a difference in the life of the people, especially the poor, “full of sound and fury signifying nothing.” (ignore it) Some would dismiss it as a futile & useless exercise that won’t make a difference in the life of the people, especially the poor, “full of sound and fury signifying nothing.” (ignore it) Others would look at it as a critical period whose outcome will affect the future. (respond to its challenge) Others would look at it as a critical period whose outcome will affect the future. (respond to its challenge)

47. Pastoral Action to Transform Politics The main challenge: what pastoral action can we undertake to transform Philippine politics: Catechesis and Political Education for the Electorate Catechesis and Political Education for the Electorate Evangelization & Moral Formation of Politicians Evangelization & Moral Formation of Politicians Mobilizing the parish grassroots network: BECs & Renewal movements for political education and monitoring the conduct of elections Mobilizing the parish grassroots network: BECs & Renewal movements for political education and monitoring the conduct of elections Participation in Political Action beyond the elections Participation in Political Action beyond the elections Addressing the problem of poverty – development & poverty alleviation programs Addressing the problem of poverty – development & poverty alleviation programs

48. Educating the Electorate The political culture: people tend to vote according to popularity, patronage, regional & financial considerations. The political culture: people tend to vote according to popularity, patronage, regional & financial considerations. The challenge: How can we educate the electorate, especially in our pastoral areas (parish, community, BECs, etc.) so that they will become critical of the present political culture & candidates, and vote wisely according to their conscience? The challenge: How can we educate the electorate, especially in our pastoral areas (parish, community, BECs, etc.) so that they will become critical of the present political culture & candidates, and vote wisely according to their conscience? The task: conscientization and political education The task: conscientization and political education

49. Catechesis and Political Education. “ The most basic work that has to be done is catechesis on politics or Christian education in politics. At present there is a tragic dichotomy between our faith-life as a people and our political culture. This dichotomy prevents our faith from having a say in our political activities. As a result our political culture is characterized by deception, dishonesty, fraud, violence, corruption, pay-offs, and patronage. Yet most of the participants in the political process call themselves Christians. Worse, politicians take advantage of their Christianity to promote their interests, as when they are photographed in churches before election time or act as sponsors in baptisms and weddings in order to widen their circle of supporters. (Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics)

50. The Necessity of Voting for the Right People “However, it is also of the utmost importance that we vote the right people to office. But who are the right persons to vote for? Whom does God want us to designate to become bearers of that awesome authority which emanates from him (cf. Rom. 13:1)? … In choosing our leaders in the political community it would be most logical to look first at the platforms and programs of the different political parties. But unfortunately in our country there are practically no differences in the platforms and programs of the different parties. Proof of this is the ease with which candidates even for the highest offices transfer parties or form alliances when their personal interests suit it. We need to focus our attention on the qualities needed by our elective public officials. (CBCP)

51. Evangelization & Moral Formation of Politicians: Evangelization & Moral Formation of Politicians: Political culture: politicians run for office for their own selfish interest, without any clear vision and program. Political culture: politicians run for office for their own selfish interest, without any clear vision and program. Challenge: Challenge: Hitting the conscience of politicians, inculcating the value of service, honesty and integrity Hitting the conscience of politicians, inculcating the value of service, honesty and integrity Promoting principled politics: pro-poor, pro- development, pro-peace, etc. Promoting principled politics: pro-poor, pro- development, pro-peace, etc.

52. Mobilizing Church’s grassroots network To participate in political education, election monitoring (NAMFREL, PPCRV), etc. To participate in political education, election monitoring (NAMFREL, PPCRV), etc. This presupposes the presence of: This presupposes the presence of: a network of BECs in the barangay, sitio and neighborhood level a network of BECs in the barangay, sitio and neighborhood level Renewal movements (CFC, BLD, etc) Renewal movements (CFC, BLD, etc)

53. Working for Honest & Credible Elections We must make sure first of all that those who become our leaders in government are those whom we have in fact freely chosen to lead us. We must work for HONEST ELECTIONS. We should make sure that people are able to freely vote for those whom they wish, that all forms of cheating are eliminated and that the votes are counted correctly from the precinct level to the final canvassing, so that the rightful winners are proclaimed and assume office. We should not allow candidates to steal public offices they do not deserve to occupy while depriving us of the services of those whom we have chosen to serve us. (CBCP)

54. What difference will this make to the electoral process? Very little: If there has been no previous evangelizing, organizing and conscientization work among the people and communities in the parish. If there has been no previous evangelizing, organizing and conscientization work among the people and communities in the parish. Education/Conscientization is a task that needs to be carried out before and after elections. It should be sustained and continuous effort.

55. But catechesis on politics cannot have any lasting effect if done only on the occasion of elections. It should be done as part and parcel of regular catechesis in the family, in schools, in Basic Ecclesial Communities, covenant communities of lay people, religious organizations --"in season, out of season," or as the PPC-RV slogan has it, "panghabang panahon". Through catechesis on politics, people should be led to see the vital link between their life of faith and their political activity. They should be taught how to evaluate their options in politics to see whether or not they are in accord with the Gospel and the teachings of the Church. Catechesis should enable them to express their faith and be guided by their faith in their politics. (Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics)

56. Dealing with Cynicism “People have become so cynical of government, of Congress and of the electoral process itself, that often they lose sight of the relevance of their vote to their life or future and sell it for momentary financial gain. Thus, despite the pleas of the Church and other responsible groups, election after election, for citizens to be vigilant fiscalizers of government expenditures, many have become indifferent to corruption or themselves want to have "a piece of the action." Despite too the guidelines regularly issued for the principled choice of candidates, many an undeserving man or woman still, just as regularly, gets voted into office “ (Pastoral Exhortation on Philippine Politics

57. Keeping alive the Hope The increasing cynicism and hopelessness among the Middle-forces and intelligent voters: (if this is how the majority votes – according to popularity and patronage rather than competence – then we might as well migrate to another country) The increasing cynicism and hopelessness among the Middle-forces and intelligent voters: (if this is how the majority votes – according to popularity and patronage rather than competence – then we might as well migrate to another country) The challenge: provide hope – that their votes still matter, that they can still make a difference, if not now, perhaps in the future. The challenge: provide hope – that their votes still matter, that they can still make a difference, if not now, perhaps in the future.

58. Preparing for the Worst Anything can happen after the election. If the worst-case scenario happens, then we can be in for a long period of stagnation, demoralization and instability Anything can happen after the election. If the worst-case scenario happens, then we can be in for a long period of stagnation, demoralization and instability Challenge: even in the midst of this worsening situation, how can we continue our task of evangelization, education & conscientization, organizing and mobilizing people for social transformation? Challenge: even in the midst of this worsening situation, how can we continue our task of evangelization, education & conscientization, organizing and mobilizing people for social transformation?

59. A wider perspective Politicians can help make this country a better place to live in if they have competence, integrity and commitment to the common good. Politicians can help make this country a better place to live in if they have competence, integrity and commitment to the common good. But they are not the Messiah or savior – we should not expect too much from them. Elections do not solve our basic problems. But they are not the Messiah or savior – we should not expect too much from them. Elections do not solve our basic problems. In the long run, it will be the people, especially the poor, awakened and empowered who can transform our society In the long run, it will be the people, especially the poor, awakened and empowered who can transform our society

60. Political Action Beyond Election Politics is not just about the elections. It is the whole process of governance and law-making. Politics is not just about the elections. It is the whole process of governance and law-making. The role of the citizens and Christians is not limited to the election period. The role of the citizens and Christians is not limited to the election period. Involvement in politics should go beyond the election. Involvement in politics should go beyond the election. This means continuing political education, lobbying and participation in the decision making process, monitoring the conduct and policies of public officials, etc. This means continuing political education, lobbying and participation in the decision making process, monitoring the conduct and policies of public officials, etc.

61. Exercising a Prophetic Role in Politics We cannot leave politics to politicians alone. As citizens we have to constantly participate in the political process even outside the elections. We cannot leave politics to politicians alone. As citizens we have to constantly participate in the political process even outside the elections. This requires vigilance regarding the conduct of public officials and the laws and policies that they implement. This requires vigilance regarding the conduct of public officials and the laws and policies that they implement. Any instance of corruption, abuse and injustice should be opposed and criticized. Any instance of corruption, abuse and injustice should be opposed and criticized. We have to oppose laws and policies that are harmful and that does not promote the common good (death penalty, summary execution, abortion, contractualization of labor, etc.) We have to oppose laws and policies that are harmful and that does not promote the common good (death penalty, summary execution, abortion, contractualization of labor, etc.) We must constantly pressure the government and the revolutionary forces to continue the peace process. We must constantly pressure the government and the revolutionary forces to continue the peace process. We can join in prayer rallies, marches to express our views. We can join in prayer rallies, marches to express our views.

62. Peace Advocacy

63. Mass Mobilization

64. Ultimate Challenge: Addressing the Problem of Poverty The outcome of the election rests on the vote of the poor. Yet, it is also the poor, the Masa who can easily be manipulated, whose votes can easily be bought, and who tend to vote according to patronage and popularity. The outcome of the election rests on the vote of the poor. Yet, it is also the poor, the Masa who can easily be manipulated, whose votes can easily be bought, and who tend to vote according to patronage and popularity. There can be no genuine democracy for as long as majority of the people remain poor and ignorant. There can be no genuine democracy for as long as majority of the people remain poor and ignorant. The political culture can only be transformed not just by education program aimed at the poor but also by poverty alleviation program. The political culture can only be transformed not just by education program aimed at the poor but also by poverty alleviation program. This is a task that goes beyond the election period. This is a task that goes beyond the election period.

65. Part of a long term strategy for transforming the political terrain is to develop a grassroots network of BECs and renewal movements. Part of a long term strategy for transforming the political terrain is to develop a grassroots network of BECs and renewal movements. These communities need to be formed into prophetic, worshipping and serving communities capable of transforming society. These communities need to be formed into prophetic, worshipping and serving communities capable of transforming society. These communities must undergo the process of sustained political education and economic development. These communities must undergo the process of sustained political education and economic development. Their activities should be carried out not only during election season but before and beyond it. Their activities should be carried out not only during election season but before and beyond it.

66. Special Challenge for Religious Educators, Teachers & Catechists Your greatest contribution – political education Your greatest contribution – political education Your students are will be the voters and candidates of the future Your students are will be the voters and candidates of the future You must teach them to vote wisely and according to their conscience. You must teach them to vote wisely and according to their conscience. You must inculcate the values of service, integrity, honest, competence and love of country. You must inculcate the values of service, integrity, honest, competence and love of country. You should help form your students that they grow up to be better Christians, better citizens and better public officials. You should help form your students that they grow up to be better Christians, better citizens and better public officials.