2025 Philippines elections: Antipolo bishop urges politicians to be ‘people's servants’

The Commission on Elections will accept nominations or certificates of candidacy between 1 and 8 October for the May 2025 midterm elections; 12 senate seats are among the most coveted positions. Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos calls for Church and government to work together. He appeals to politicians to think about the “welfare of the community”.

Manila (AsiaNews) – Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo spoke during a celebration at Coast Guard headquarters in Manila, urging the country’s leaders to think of their commitment as a mission, working as servants and pastors for all. “May those seeking public office reflect deeply on the welfare of the community and the good of our nation,” he said.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) begun yesterday to accept candidacies or certificates of candidacy (CoC) until 8 October of those who want to run in national and local elections next year.

The midterm elections will take place in May 2025 and are expected to see incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his predecessor and former ally, Rodrigo Duterte, go head-to-head.

Next year, voters will pick 12 senators, 254 district representatives, 63 party-list organisations, 82 governors, 82 vice governors, 1,682 city councillors, 800 provincial councillors, 11,948 municipal councillors, 149 city mayors, 149 city vice mayors, 1,493 municipal mayors, and, for the first time, 40 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) party-list representatives.

“We each have our situations in life and different roles in society,” the prelate said addressing the Christian community. “We are members and partners of the Mother Church. Similarly, the government includes and engages us. You and I are citizens. You and I are also believers in the Almighty God.” Metaphorically, “We are like the rails of a train – straight and aligned, not crooked or separated."

The bishop stressed how fundamental it is to share responsibilities, urging close cooperation between Church and government for the sake of the people. “You in the government, taking care of them as citizens, and us from the church, guiding them as believers, towards one destination – salvation. For you, it's body salvation; for us, soul salvation. To save them is our service – service through the government and service through the Church.”

What is more, “Although we have different roles in life and different social powers, we are not enemies. We are not enemies or antagonists,” Bishop Santos said. In fact, the common good binds priests and politicians to serve the country.

Both government and Church are required to be faithful servants. “We are people's servants. The people chose and ordained us as priests; they also elected us. The Church and the nation expect us to serve the people," he explained.

The bishop further added that there is an urgent need for voters to help, show compassion, without any expectation in return, just serving others to demonstrate God's love.

“We have received more from God than we expected – beautiful, abundant, excellent, and overflowing gifts.” Yet, “we cannot keep these blessings for ourselves. Instead, let us share them with others, help those in need, and offer our gifts back to God through our compassion and service to the people He has entrusted to us.”

• philippines
• catholic church
• bishop santos
• antipolo
• elections
• 2025
• service
• nominations
• candidates
• deadline