Ten Commandments for Responsible Voting

In a few weeks, Filipino voters shall again be called upon by the country to exercise their right to suffrage, wisely and responsibly. I first read these “commandments” from a flyer in Baguio City which also included guidelines to conscientious and responsible voting. The flyer came from the Parish Council of the St. Joseph The Worker Parish. Presumably, the guidelines originated from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) which has consistently and vigorously advocated for clean and honest elections. I pray that this post will enlighten fellow countrymen to choose the candidates that deserve the mandate of the Filipino people.


1. Thou shalt vote according to the dictate of your conscience.

2. Thou shalt respect the decision of others in choosing their candidates.

3. Thou shalt seek to know the moral integrity, capabilities and other personal qualities of the candidates you will vote for.

4. Thou shalt strive to understand the issues, platform and program of candidates and parties seeking your vote.

5. Thou shalt note sell your vote.

6. Thou shalt not vote for candidates using guns, goons and old.

7. Thou shalt not vote for candidates with records of graft and corruption, and human rights violation.

8. Thou shalt not vote for candidates just because of utang na loob, personal appearance, popularity, or pakikisama.

9. Thou shalt not vote for candidates living an immoral life.

10. Thou shalt put the welfare of the country above all else in choosing the candidate you will vote for.