Hundreds of pastors and churches from different parts of the country are calling on former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to run for President in the upcoming 2022 general elections.
In an open letter sent to Cayetano dated September 16, 2021, a total of 465 pastors,along with 1,493 of their church members, said they found in the former Speaker a leader who can inspire Filipinos to believe in the power of faith amidst times of crisis.
“Sa pinakamadilim na oras ng ating bayan, kailangan natin ng isang lider na magdadala ng liwanag at pag-asa. Kailangan ng ating bayan ng isang lider na may takot sa Diyos – isang lider na naniniwala sa kapangyarihan ng pananampalataya at kakayahan nitong baguhin ang anumang sitwasyon,” they said in their letter.
(In our country’s darkest moments, we need a leader who will bring light and hope. Our country needs a leader who fears God, a leader who believes in the power of faith and its ability to change any situation.)
The signatures represent 461 churches, and the number is expected to grow as the letter gets circulated all over the country.
Cayetano had previously said he plans on advancing a faith-based, values-oriented, and Bible-centered leadership in the upcoming national elections.
Saying he is seriously considering running for President in recent interviews, the lawmaker said he is still seeking the advice of his family and colleagues on his electoral plans for next year.
The signatories also commended Cayetano for creating programs that have given hope to Filipinos affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
These programs include the Sampung Libong Pag-Asa and Sari-Saring Pag-Asa initiatives, both of which have provided financial aid to thousands of households and sari-sari store owners across the country.
The Sampung Libong Pag-Asa program was inspired by the 10K Ayuda Bill, which Cayetano and his allies filed in February 2021. The proposed measure seeks to distribute P10,000 each to the poorest of the poor amidst the ongoing pandemic.
“Higit sa husay at talino, kailangan natin ng isang lider na may puso at malasakit sa kapwa at handang harapin ang mga pagsubok ng may pang-unawa at pagmamahal. Kagalang-galang na dating Speaker Cayetano, naniniwala kami na ikaw ang lider na hinahanap ng ating bayan,” the pastors said.
(Beyond excellence and intelligence, we need a leader who is compassionate and empathetic, someone who is willing to face any challenge with understanding and love. Former Speaker Cayetano, we believe that you are the leader that our country is looking for.)
The pastors and religious leaders assured Cayetano that they will support his bid for the Presidency as well as his advocacies.
“Makakaasa kayo sa aming pagsuporta sa iyo at sa iyong mga adhikain,” they said.
(You can count on our support for you and your advocacies.)
The filing of candidacy for all national and local positions will start on October 1 and run until October 8.
