Some Catholic bishops opposed the proposal on the 2022 elections postponement amid the threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, postponing the May 2022 general elections would be unconstitutional. Such a move would also prolong the power of local and national officials who were incompetent during the COVID-19 health crisis.
“It is not only against the Constitution but not to exercise our right to vote, we are just prolonging their (leaders) misconduct and conniving with their misdeeds,” Santos said. “We see who really helps and serves us without vested interest nor with selfish motives.”
Santos noted that people should just accept that coronavirus is a judgment call where everyone can learn many things.
Meanwhile, retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes also expressed his opposition to the 2022 elections postponement, at least “not under this administration,” as he called on the lawmakers to abide by the rules Constitution, and emphasized that “breaking the rules” would lead to corruption.
Ozamiz Archbishop Martin Jumoad and Bishop-emeritus of Novaliches Teodoro Bacani are not also in favor of the postponement of the 2022 elections, saying it has no legal basis.
“No to postponement of 2022 elections. No strong reason to warrant its postponement,” Jumoad said.
“I think this is just a floater to prepare us for no election,” Bacani added.
Manila apostolic administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should find ways to continue the elections.
Robredo opposes 2022 elections postponement
“There’s no reason why we have to postpone it, and this was shown to us by other countries,” Vice President Leni Robredo said over dzXL yesterday.
“The Netherlands has just conducted its elections. The US will hold its elections in November. South Korea and New Zealand will also hold their elections soon. So it only shows that we can also do it,” she added.
The Vice President said the Comelec is preparing for the 2022 local and national elections amid a pandemic.
“The Comelec is preparing for a scenario where there is still COVID-19,” she asserted.
Pampanga Representative Mikey Arroyo last week urged the Comelec to look at the 2022 elections postponement, adding voters are afraid of the COVID-19 pandemic.