CBCP Commends PMTL efforts on Christ-Oriented Political Engagement

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) was all praises for the initiatives of faith-based group Pilipino Movement for Transformational Leadership (PMTL). During their 111th Plenary Assembly in Cebu City recently, the bishops issued a message of commendation for PMTL, whose mission is to do God’s work in the field of politics.

PMTL’s programs and vision supposedly reminded the Catholic bishops of the challenging words of the Second Vatican Council. They pointed particularly at how Christians must conscientiously carry out their duties on earth, for the neglect of these duties translates to neglect of duties to their neighbor and God.

“We encourage the Catholic bishops of the Philippines to organize on the diocesan level lay leaders who can bring to fulfillment the vision of God-centered, honest, competent, committed, strong-willed servant leaders for the country,” said Archbishop Socrates Villegas in a statement.

Villegas encouraged the Diocesan Councils of the Laity to support the PMTL, calling it “a significant gift of the Spirit to our Catholic laity inspired by the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI.” The former pope said that there is a great need for lay faithful who are witnesses to Christ and the Gospel in the civil and political community.

PMTL is an umbrella organization composed of the major Christian blocs in the country. Its ultimate objective is to establish God’s reign in the country by electing into office God-centered and competent servant leaders who are committed to the empowerment of the Filipino people using a criteria, the GABAYKRISTO.

GABAYKRISTO qualifies whether political candidates are fit for the office they are aspiring for. It has four major criteria, which are Leadership Abilities, Character and Integrity, Sincerity to God and Country, and Leadership Integrity. Voters are encouraged to use this tool to grade their chosen candidates.

“May this work of God for the conversion, transformation and renewal of politics in the Philippines be blessed a hundredfold!” Villegas added.