MANILA--“If the bishops would tell me to run and if they endorse my candidacy, I would follow because I am a loyal soldier of the Catholic Church.”
Thus said businessman-turned-Catholic evangelist Mike Velarde in an interview with Radio Veritas yesterday.
He disclosed he had personal plans which he described as “a dream” of running for the presidency, though he admitted he is satisfied with his being a “servant leader” of El Shaddai, a large Catholic Charismatic group which he founded.
But CBCP President Angel Lagdameo, however, said that the bishops’ conference will not endorse any candidate for political office. “As a group, we don’t endorse (candidates) and you know our history, we haven’t endorsed anybody because it is a political act,” said Lagdameo who is also the Archbishop of Jaro. Lagdameo said the CBCP has repeatedly issued criteria through pastoral letters with special emphasis on the candidate’s moral character and track record of performance.
He said politicians making their presence felt in print, radio and television are simply “expressing their goodwill to serve our country and liberate us from its malady.” He added all candidates have the goodwill to serve though in the long-run, it is the Filipino voter who decides.
He wishes candidates who will succeed the present crop of leaders not to forget their campaign promises and they should remember they should serve their constituents well and not just their own families and political parties.
“They should remember they are leaders of everyone and they should manifest their patriotism,” the 68-year old prelate said. (Melo M. Acuña)