UCA News
Contribute

Filipino priest tells Catholics to dump vulgar politicians

Voters urged to choose leaders with uncompromising integrity in next year's polls
Filipino priest tells Catholics to dump vulgar politicians

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is known for his use of profanities during speeches. (Photo: AFP)

Published: August 10, 2021 07:21 AM GMT
Updated: August 10, 2021 07:25 AM GMT

A priest has called on Catholic voters to end an “era of vulgarity” in Philippine politics by voting for “more decent” leaders in the 2022 elections.

It is time to replace incomplete and vulgar leaders this country has endured for years, Society of Divine Word Father Flavie Villanueva said in a Facebook post.

“By voting in the next elections in 2022, we have the right to join in the discussion and eventually, the decision to decide who will replace the incompetent and vulgar with true leaders who possess an authentic character,” he said.

Father Villanueva, a staunch critic of Philippine President Duterte’s use of profanity and his war on illegal drugs, said the country’s new leaders should possess integrity and competency.

The culture of death and impunity that Duterte has cultivated must come to an end in the next elections, he said.

“Our next set of leaders must possess uncompromising integrity, creative competency and a deep sense of compassion for the marginalized,” he added.

These are wounded people, wounded by the one [Duterte] who is supposed to care for them

He also lamented recent violations of health and social distancing protocols by thousands of Filipinos because of fake news.

Thousands flocked to vaccine sites recently following false reports that the government will not distribute financial aid to unvaccinated people.

“This is out of desperation. This should not have happened. These are wounded people, wounded by the one [Duterte] who is supposed to care for them. This is caused by bad politics,” said Father Villanueva.

“I hope in the upcoming elections, I hope that every voter will choose his or her leader based on conscience. Pray. Reflect. What does your conscience tell you?” he said.

“It is time to choose leaders who will re-create and empower our wounded people and scorned nation to be great once again.”

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia