A Catholic bishop warned the public against blindly supporting the presidential bid of Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III.
Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez Jr. of Caloocan said a thorough analysis of each candidate’s platforms, and not the bandwagon effect, should be used in choosing candidates in 2010.
“Let’s not be carried away by our emotions or by the bandwagon mentality. Whoever enters the arena, we have to study them. Let’s examine their programs. It’s not because he is an Aquino that we will vote for him,” he said.
Iñiguez, who heads the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ public affairs unit, said people should look at candidates’ record of advocating the common good.
On Wednesday, Aquino announced he will seek the presidency in 2010, a week after Liberal Party president Manuel Roxas II announced he would give way to him.
Aquino is enjoying a surge in popularity following the death of his mother former President Corazon Aquino last Aug. 1 and the 26th death anniversary of his father former Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.
Meanwhile, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco advised Aquino to follow the example set by his mother in upholding a righteous but competent campaign.
“I believe we can never get a perfect candidate. What is important for Senator Aquino is to get a good circle of advisers. His openness is necessary but firmness should be exercised. Like his mother he should be prayerful to be a person of faith in confronting the world,” said Ongtioco.
