Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday said he endorses the call of Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra for volunteers to help the Church ensure clean and honest elections in May.

The church will get involved in three phases -- through voters education wherein guidelines will be given on how to choose candidates, poll watching, and through a quick count, Fr. Aniceto Buenafe, Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Director, said. Marañon said the volunteers should keep their watch not just during the counting but until the counting of votes are completed.

Navarra yesterday issued a 12-point directive in Ilonggo outlining the Diocese of Bacolod's directive on the need for clean and honest elections to be distributed to the clergy.

The Church, he said, wants to ensure that the will and the interest of the people are truly reflected in the May polls.

He stressed the need for citizens to take a pro-active role by helping guard the ballot to ensure that democracy reigns.

In order to succeed Church groups should team up with civic organizations who wish to help, so they will have a stronger force in warding off cheating by corrupt political parties and politicians, he all said.*CPG

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