GENERAL SANTOS CITY (UCAN): The Diocese of Marbel, in Mindanao, the Phlippines called for election candidates to stop or turn down their “ear-splitting” campaign jingles in the run-up to national and local mid-term elections on May 13.
 
Father Ariel Destora, director of the diocesan Social Action Centre, slammed the noise pollution caused by sound systems — mostly blaring from vehicles — used by candidates. The din has been bad enough to disrupt the celebration of the Mass.
 
“These loud campaign jingles are detestable,” the priest said, adding whoever operates them, as well as the candidates should respect places of worship.
However, election rules allow their use.
 
Father Destora said the sound systems, comprised of big amplifiers mounted cargo trucks, make such a racket the ground shakes.
He stopped short of calling on voters to boycott candidates who contribute to noise pollution.
 
 Members of the diocese social action office have been urging voters to vote for candidates who will work for the common good and who are “competent, credible and compassionate.”
 
The Diocese of Marbel has pastoral jurisdiction over the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani and parts of Sultan Kudarat as well as the cities of Koronadal and General Santos.