We, the lay and religious representatives of the Vincentian Family in the Philippines, declare our full support for the candidacy of Vice President Maria Leonor “LENI” Robredo as President and Senator Francis “KIKO” Pangilinan as Vice-President.

Once again we are in the threshold of change in our nation. The upcoming May 2022 elections are most crucial because they will determine our political leadership in the next six years. We cannot afford to wait for another six years because the poor, the vulnerable and those in the fringes of society (mga nasa laylayan) will continue to suffer even more.

As members of the Vincentian Family, inspired by the example of St. Vincent de Paul, who dedicated his life to uplift the poor in his time, we have chosen to back the candidates who have consistently shown that they are on the side of the poor and the marginalized, and have lived by Christian ideals and Vincentian convictions.

We support candidates who exhibit:

• Competence - a track record of good governance, transparency, and accountability in government service;
• Character - integrity, simplicity in lifestyle and adherence to the law – an example of moral ascendancy;
• Compassion - solidarity with victims of tragedies and disasters, and have viable programs to assist the poor and victims of the pandemic;
• Commitment – steadfast in upholding our national sovereignty and our territorial integrity, and the protection of the environment;
• Respect for life and human dignity – zealous understanding and reverence of human lives and human rights; and
• Empowerment of the poor and vulnerable sectors of society – having organic programs to empower poor communities and provide employment, education, health services, housing and food sustainability.

Vice President Leni Robredo, educated in the Vincentian spirit by the Daughters of Charity, is an embodiment of these values. The marginalized are at the center of her governance and advocacies.

Vice President Leni Robredo, educated in the Vincentian spirit by the Daughters of Charity, is an embodiment of these values. The marginalized are at the center of her governance and advocacies.

We enjoin our members, mission partners, collaborators, and the poor themselves, to discern well and choose candidates who will genuinely work for the marginalized. Furthermore, we urge everyone to pray for peaceful and honest elections and to work for the common good afterwards.

Signed:
Fr. Gregorio Banaga, CM (Congregation of the Mission) ; Sr. Mary Anne Evidente, DC (Daughters of Charity); Sr. Luisa Nemis, SMdC; Maria Clara Maglalang (Society of St. Vincent de Paul); Fr. Rolando Limjoco, CM (Vincentian Marian Youth); Teresita Fajardo (Ladies of Charity)