Pabillo reminds public that selling of votes is a sin

Political ads can be found everywhere during election season in the Philippines (Carlo Marco Simpao / flickr)

MANILA — A Catholic bishop reminded the public specially voters not to sell their votes during elections as it is considered a sin based on the 7th Commandment, “Thou Shall not Steal”.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillion issued the reminder during the launch of the “Huwag Kang Magnakaw” campaign of the Catholic Church on Friday in Manila.

“Halos isang taon na lang election na, May 9, 2016. Gusto ko ipahayag na ang pag benta ng boto ay labag sa ika 7 utos ng Diyos kung sa simbahan ito ay kasalanan,” he said.

Pabillo added that the movement calls every Filipino to stop from trading their vote for it signifies selling the dignity not only of oneself but of the whole country as well, along with the future of the Filipino nation.

“Ang nagpapabili ng boto niya ay pagbebenta ng kanyang dangal bilang isang mamamayan at hindi lang benta niya ang pangkalahatan kabutihan ng bayan binebenta niya ang bayan,” said the chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Public Affairs Committee.

The Catholic prelate noted that people is also pushing politicians to be corrupt since the latter will allegedly get the money they are using to buy their votes from the coffers of the government once they get elected.

“Ang pagbibili ng kanilang boto tinutulak nila ang mga pulitiko na magnakaw sa bayan kasi alam natin na ang pera na ‘yan ay babawiin ng mga pulitiko at paano nila babawiin sa pag nanakaw sa bayan,” he added.

The “Huwag Kang Magnakaw” campaign also aims for the rebirth of honesty, sincerity in Filipino’s hearts as well as end rampant corruption and deceit in the society.

Likewise, the campaign also challenges the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and every politicians, incumbent seeking for an elective post in the government to never take part on the election by means of procuring votes and to stop from stealing the vote of every citizen.

They also encourage people to be vigilant for a transparent, peaceful and orderly elections next year.