TACLOBAN CITY — The Diocese of Borongan issued a pastoral letter urging voters in Eastern Samar to “make a firm stand for the country and the environment” as the year opens to an election season for national and local elective officials.

Borongan Bishop Crispin Varquez, in a pastoral letter read in all Masses on Sunday, 5 January 2025, urged the Catholics to elect the right candidates, reject candidates supported by mining interests, avoid political dynasties, support selfless leaders and encourage productivity.

“We urge every citizen to take an active role in the upcoming elections. Engage in discussions, educate yourself on the candidates, and encourage others to do the same,” Varquez told the electorate.

Election for the provincial posts in Eastern Samar this year is anticipated with much interest due to the entry of new faces in the fray.

Incumbent Quinapondan town Mayor Rafael Asebias is running for governor against Sulat town councilor Ralph Vincent Evardone, the son of incumbent Governor Ben Evardone.

Despite his more sterling experience as a three-term mayor that earned three Seal of Good Local Governance awards, Asebias is considered as the underdog against Evardone who is backed by the governor and many other relatives who are in various government positions.

Varquez said that like in other parts of the country, Eastern Samar is also marred by rampant corruption.

“The hard-earned money of the people, collected as taxes, is often lost to graft and misappropriation. Political dynasties persist. Money has become the primary means to win elections. Vote buying has become commonplace, with the disturbing trend of selling and buying candidates leading to a lack of genuine contenders,” the bishop said in his letter.

The church also gave flak to the ayuda system that likely influences the voting preferences of the poor.

“Government aid and other forms of financial assistance, often distributed by politicians, foster a culture of dependency. Needless to say, our poor are often prey to partisan political manipulation,” it added.