Clergy group pushes united action for May polls

A religious-clergy group called on Filipinos Sunday to organize at the grassroots level to thwart what it called attempts to bring about a failure of elections in May. In an Easter manifesto, the Circles of Discernment urged Filipinos to look for worthy leaders and support them to replace those “unworthy" ones. “We call on everyone to discern our options and make carefully considered plans for collective action. Let us come together in united, common purpose. Let us build on what we have. Let us find and support true leaders from amongst us to replace those unworthy of our trust. Let us organize on the grassroots level and affirm the right to vote. Let us move to sustain the fervor of those who want their votes to count so the people’s sovereign will could prevail in this land of the morning sun," the group said in its manifesto. The group accused the Arroyo government of corrupting the moral fiber of the people and of institutions, which led to the current state of the country. It lamented the administration's abuses threatens to break the indomitable spirit of the Filipino. "No institution of our democratic system has been spared. No sector of society left unmolested. Long standing traditions have been violated," it said. It accused President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her cohorts of unprecedented corruption who "lie and cheat with impunity" and perpetuate political dynasties that enable a few families to appropriate political and economic powers. "They have prostituted our democratic and cultural values. They have betrayed our trust. They have stolen the future of the yet unborn Filipino by squandering at bargain prices our country’s natural resources," the group said. It also held President Arroyo accountable for at least 1,118 extrajudicial killings and 204 enforced disappearances from January 2001 to October 2009. But while the group said the upcoming elections may offer a fresh start for Filipinos, there are signs of a "dastardly plot to bring about failure of election" or the non-proclamation of elected national officials. "A failed election will surely be used as an excuse to impose martial law and the perpetuation of the Arroyo administration in a hold-over capacity or, as 'the transition government," it said. Malacañang has repeatedly denied that there is a plan to extend President Arroyo’s term beyond June 30, 2010. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has likewise assured that there would be no nationwide failure of elections on May. Signing the manifesto are Fr. Wilfredo Dulay, Msgr. Manuel Gabriel Fr. Jose Dizon, Sr. Maureen Catabian, Fr. Joselito Sarabia, Sr. Angelita Navarro, Fr. Rudy Abao, Sr. Rebecca Pacete, Fe Maria Arriola, Lorna Ballesteros, retired Col. Guillermo Cunanan, Sr. Elenita Belardo, Fr. Gregorio Obejas, Sr. Felicidad Solatorio, Sr. Rowena Pineda, Fr. Joel Canuel, Fr. Francisco Albano, Fr. Baltazar Obico (Diocese of Ilagan), Sr. Francis Ańover, Fr. Rolando de Leon, Sr. Patricia Fox, Fr. Rene Mercader, Fr. Joey Evangelista, Fr. Charly Ricafort, Sr. Marion Chipeco, Sr. Pierre de la Peńa, Sr. Emma Cupin, Fr. Paul Medina, Sr. Ailyn Binco, Marietta Goco, and Fr. Anacleto Ignacio. - KBK, GMANews.TV