Landslide presidential victory for dictator’s son Ferdinand Marcos Jr leaves many clergy disappointed
UCAN News
By Joseph Peter Calleja
Published: May 10, 2022 10:03 AM GMT
Catholic clergymen and groups have expressed disappointment at the result of the Philippine presidential election by offering messages of support to Leonor “Leni” Robredo, the defeated candidate and the champion of many in the Church.
As counting came to a close in the May 9 election, frontrunner Ferdinand Marcos Jr was heading for a landslide win.
Many church leaders had supported his main rival Robredo, a former human rights lawyer and the current vice president.
“Thank Vice President Leni. At least, just for a few months. I lived in hope. We truly do not deserve a leader like you. Unfortunately, this country is not ready for good governance,” one priest, Jesuit Father James Gascon, wrote on Facebook.
Manila Cathedral vice rector Father Kali Llamado also shared his sentiments by thanking Robredo for her decision to run in the election despite the lack of machinery and support from big political families.
“It is my honor to stand with you, Vice President Robredo, for integrity, truth and for the common good,” said Father Llamado on his Facebook account.
“Let us remain peaceful in this electoral process. Let us remain hopeful that while the election count is soon to be over, no violent incidents may happen”
The San Lorenzo Church group called on all Filipinos to keep watch and to pray for the vice president for strength.
“Let us pray for Vice President Leni Robredo. Let us extend our support to the vice president and for those who won in the elections. May they truly be motivated to serve the nation,” they said in a statement.
“Let us remain peaceful in this electoral process. Let us remain hopeful that while the election count is soon to be over, no violent incidents may happen.”
Running mates Marcos Jr and Sara Duterte were celebrating a landslide win over Robredo and former lawmaker Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan after 95 percent of the votes were counted. Marcos had more than 31 million votes, more than double the tally for Robredo. Duterte, daughter of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte, was on course to be vice president.
Marcos Jr, the son of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr, thanked his supporters even though the counting was not officially finished.
“We know that the count is not yet done, is not yet over. We still need to be vigilant but I want to issue a statement of gratitude to all of those who have been with us in this long and sometimes very difficult journey for the last six months,” he said at his campaign headquarters in Manila.
“I thank my countrymen who were there and supported not just the candidates and the whole party but supported our push for a better tomorrow for our beloved Philippines.”
