CBCP Post-Election Statement (February 13, 1986)
“We Must Obey God Rather Than Men” (Acts 5:29)
Beloved People of God:
We are receiving many reports of the conduct of the recent elections. Based on these reports and our own observations, we are convinced that the polls were unparalleled in the fraudulence of their conduct. The credibility of the election had been destroyed.
We are distressed and shocked by the massive and flagrant fraud committed in the elections. The clear purpose of this was to thwart the sovereign will of the people.
The Comelec’s unofficial quick count at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) became the first dramatic scene of the struggle for truth. Many of the 35 computer technicians walked out in protest against what they considered as deliberate tampering with election returns. These were conscientious and highly trained young professionals whose action spoke louder than words. Their sacrifice in resigning their positions in defense of truth and integrity commands our highest esteem.
When the final results of the Comelec were made public, they were sharply questioned by many responsible citizens who had been closely monitoring the conduct of the elections. The reports of independent poll watchers and official citizens’ quick counts indicated a significant discrepancy in votes counted in favor of the incumbent president.
We therefore ask ourselves: What has happened to our country?
A government that assumes or retains power through fraudulent means has no moral basis.
We thus find ourselves faced with a crisis of legitimacy. Moral wrongs are not only private concerns; they are also social and political. If the government does not, of itself, correct the evil it has inflicted on the people then it is our serious moral obligation, as a people, to make it do so.
We commend and encourage the efforts of our people to correct this wrong in a peaceful, nonviolent way. Violence will only lead to greater suffering and repression. We urge all Filipinos to express peacefully their opposition to injustice and deceit, and to support those who are truly working for the good of the country.
We appeal to our brothers and sisters in the military, the police, and the civil service to heed the voice of conscience and not serve purposes contrary to the good of the people. We remind them that the most meaningful loyalty is loyalty to God and country, and not to one man.
We condemn the fraudulent elections and cannot morally accept the results based on them.
We declare that a government that is based on lies and deception cannot lead the nation to true peace and progress.
In this critical moment in our nation’s history, we call upon all Filipinos to courageously face the challenge of seeking truth and justice. Let us pray together and work for a peaceful resolution. We are confident that the light of truth will prevail.
May Mary, Queen of Peace, intercede for us all.
Signed:
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP)
February 13, 1986
