Groups go for Poe, Otso Diretso, Colmenares

DIFFERENT Catholic and civil society groups urged voters to choose leaders who set a good example in the community— those who have integrity and the ability to serve the people.

During the People Choice Movement’s event at the Archbishop’s Palace on Friday, May 3, Ricky Xavier, the movement’s chairman, said it is important for the public to know who the candidates are and who they should vote for.

Xavier introduced during the event the senatorial candidates whom they consider to be qualified based on their evaluation.

Otso Diretso candidates, Sen. Grace Poe (independent), and Neri Colmenares (Makabayan) topped the group’s choice.

Xavier clarified they are not siding with the Liberal Party.

“It just so happens that they (Otso diretso) are the most qualified,” explained Xavier.

The Otso Diretso candidates are human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano, reelectionist Sen. Bam Aquino, Marawi civic leader Samira Gutoc, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, former solicitor general Florin Hilbay and former deputy speaker Erin Tañada.

Xavier said before they started visiting different areas for the forum, they had a selection convention where they evaluated all the senatorial candidates.

The group, according to Xavier, used the criteria they called Gabay Kristo, by which they graded the senatorial candidates based on their background and their platforms.

He said they made sure that the candidate is a good member of the Catholic Church and respects the Constitution.

The Senate, according to Xavier, must be an independent body, and not just a government body that follows what the executive department says.

Xavier encouraged voters to be united in choosing senators who respect God’s commandment and the Constitution.

“Let’s unite to elect candidates who are capable of representing us in government,” he said.