Bishop Nereo Odchimar, president of the Philippine Bishops Conference underlines the importance of May elections, calling them the most important in country’s history. For the bishop, the country is in a critical situation caused because of corruption, loss of values and economic crisis. Call to prayer.

Manila (AsiaNews) - "We, as Christians we know that if it is not God who builds the house then the work is done in vain, we must act in the same way in politics, aware that without Him we can do nothing." These the words of Mgr. Nereus Odchimar, president of the Philippine Bishops Conference, in a pastoral letter published yesterday, which sets out the May 10 elections as the most important in the history of the country.

May 10th over 50 million people will vote to choose president, vice president, 300 deputies in both houses of Congress and 17,600 local politicians. To avoid the fraud that characterized the previous editions, the 2010 election will also be the first to enjoy an electronic counting of votes.

Mgr. Odchimar says: "The success of these elections will be important for the economic and political stability of the country, but their failure could cause further suffering for many."

According to the prelate, the country is in a critical situation caused by the loss of moral values, corruption and relentless increase in the gap between rich and poor, made even more evident by the effects of global economic crisis.

Inviting all Catholics to participate in organized parish novena for the success of the elections, the prelate adds that "prayer is the only way that can allow free and peaceful elections”.

Meanwhile, violence related to election campaign continues, despite the appeal of the bishops and military control in areas most at risk in the country. According to the police in January there were 27 deaths linked to the vote and are over 75 incidents that required the intervention of the armed forces.  

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