Catholic groups to endorse senatorial bets
MANILA, April 8, 2013— A coalition of the country’s largest Catholic groups is trying to muster millions of votes for senatorial bets who oppose the contraceptive law Congress passed last year.
El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde said this is the first time that all organizations in the Church come together for one purpose: “unite for the good of life and the family.”
“There were those who said that there’s no Catholic vote and I want to thank (Albay) Congressman (Edcel) Lagman for saying that because if not for him I won’t be here,” Velarde said.
“We will prove that there’s really a Catholic vote,” he said. “It’s time to let the public know that there’s such a vote that’s coming this elections and in the future elections.”
Velarde made the statement during the launching of the “White Vote” movement, composed of other dozens other lay organizations, in Parañaque City on Monday.
The El Shaddai leaders said he is confident they can muster the needed votes to the candidates they will endorse over those who supported the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) law.
“It will depend on the response but as far as we are concerned the response from our own organization is quite favorable. The number of groups (joining us) is still increasing,” he said.
Velarde said there are about 3,000 Catholic parishes in the country and if every parish can give 2,000 votes, they can gather at least 6 million votes.
“I think that’s doable,” Velarde said. “I believe we can muster enough vote to make a difference this coming elections”.
The first batch of senatoriables that the movement will support will be known on Saturday at Amvel Park in Parañaque while another batch will be announced on the following week.
Velarde added that they might endorse six to 10 senatorial candidates.
“I cannot reveal these candidates to you now because we are still in the process of examining their background, their track record, their personality, their commitments about life and family,” he said.
The movement’s criteria include the candidate’s stand on certain issues, such as the Reproductive Health Law, divorce and same-sex marriage.
“We are not completing the 12 slate. As of now, I could say about 8 or as I said earlier if the movement will have a groundswell we might have two more and make it 10,” said Velarde.
Among the members of the movement are Bukas Loob sa Diyos, Couple for Christ Foundation for Family and Life, Family Rosary Crusade, Mother Butler Mission Guild, Knights of the Columbus, Catholic Teacher’s Guild, and Catholic Doctors Guild. (Roy Lagarde)