The Filipino Church’s Call for Ethical Voting in the Upcoming Midterm Elections
As the Philippines gears up for critical midterm elections in May, the Filipino Church is urging voters to carefully discern and select candidates based on key values. The Church also warns against the spread of hate speech and fake news, emphasizing the importance of upholding integrity in the electoral process.
By Lisa Zengarini
With nearly 70 million Filipinos expected to cast their votes on 12 May, 2025, the stakes are high as over 18,000 candidates vie for legislative, local, and regional posts. The election has been characterized as a showdown between the influential Duterte and Marcos political dynasties, following the collapse of their once powerful “UniTeam” alliance.
The Battle Between Duterte and Marcos
The handover of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his controversial ‘war on drugs’ has shaken the Duterte family, further intensifying the political landscape. The election is seen as a proxy battle between the Duterte and Marcos factions, with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the center of the fray.
Social Media’s Influence on the Campaign
As the electoral campaign gains momentum, social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public opinion. However, concerns have been raised about the proliferation of disinformation, deepfakes, and AI-powered scams, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Combatting Hate Speech
The Catholic Church-based poll watchdog, Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), has condemned the use of hate speech and sexist remarks by some candidates. The group emphasizes the sacredness of the vote and urges voters to choose candidates who embody key values such as honesty, diligence, and love for the common good.
Bishops’ Appeal for Ethical Voting
Leading up to the elections, the Philippine Bishops’ Conference (CBCP) has issued a Pastoral Letter calling on voters to prioritize the well-being of others and uphold freedom in the electoral process. The Bishops stress the importance of electing competent leaders who are dedicated to serving the needs of the Filipino people, especially the marginalized and vulnerable.
The upcoming elections will be a crucial test of the Filipino electorate’s commitment to ethical voting and the pursuit of the common good. As candidates vie for power, the Church’s message of discernment, integrity, and compassion resonates strongly with voters as they prepare to make their voices heard at the ballot box.
