SINCE its introduction to the country, the Church has been instrumental in putting faith into action for justice and peace from constant acts of charity to poor and marginalized communities to the call of Cardinal Jaime Sin that bolstered Filipinos to peacefully participate in the EDSA Revolution that restored democracy in the country.

Now, as the Church marks 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, they hope to reinforce democratic institutions as they urge Filipinos to register to vote as the country marks one year before the 2022 National Elections on May 9, 2022.

In light of this, churches nationwide will be tolling their bells for three minutes at noontime on Sunday, May 9 after the Angelus prayer. These efforts are part of initiatives lined up by Eleksyon 2022 Koalisyon, a non-partisan, multi-sectoral coalition of 29 civic and religious organizations and individuals to encourage eligible citizens to register and vote.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of Caritas Philippines urged his fellow Church leaders to take part in the simultaneous ringing of church bells nationwide to show their love for the nation.

“Buhayin at pag-alabin nating muli ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Magparehistro upang makaboto. (Let’s awaken and enliven once more our love for the country. Register to vote),” Bagaforo said.

Rev. Fr Antonio Labiao, executive secretary of Caritas Philippines emphasized the importance of the Church taking the lead in mobilizing citizens towards active engagement in the 2022 elections.

“It’s important for the church if we are serious with our mandate… to actively participate. This is a call for us to get involved in good governance,” Labiao said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, DD also asserted that the electoral process is “our sacred duty, not only as Filipinos but as Christians.”

As of April 21, 1,588,432 first-time voters have registered, short of the 4 million target set by the Commission on Elections by the end of the voters’ registration period on September 30, 2021. Aside from this, 7 million voter accounts have been deactivated, with only around 700,000 reactivated, according to COMELEC’s records.

Led by former Comelec Chairman Christian S. Monsod as lead convenor and former Comelec Commissioner Luie Tito F. Guia as national coordinator, the coalition hopes to register an additional 7 million voters through their #RegiToVote campaign that hopes to mobilize citizens through encouraging local voters’ registration initiatives on the ground and through social media.

“We believe in the dream that everyone, regardless of their age, status and personal viewpoints, can collectively unite to achieve our ambition of a brighter and better future for all, especially the poor and marginalized. We believe that registering to vote is among the most accessible and sustainable means for every Filipino to achieve this desired future,” the coalition said in a manifesto issued to the public last May 7.

The Eleksyon 2022 Koalisyon is on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. More information on how to help the cause to #RegiToVote can be found through http://koalisyon.carrd.co. The coalition has also started its public call to co-sign its manifesto at https://tinyurl.com/7MVotersStatement-Sign.