MANILA (UCAN): “We need to discern the truth behind the appearances of seeming unstoppable increasing infections (of the Covid 19 coronavirus). We must make appropriate decisions on the basis of this truth,” Archbishop Socrates Villegas, chairperson of the Episcopal Commission on Seminaries, and Bishop Roberto Mallari, chairperson of the Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education, said in a joint statement on August 14.
Acting president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Bishop Virgilio David of Kalookan, endorsed the statement, which was to be posted at all seminaries and Catholic schools in the country.
They also said that fear of illness and death looms over the country and basic freedoms have disappeared.
“Over two million of us (Filipinos) have lost jobs and over 93,000 businesses have closed down or have severely been restructured. Our economy has plunged 16.5 per cent, losing 1.5 trillion pesos a month and is in technical recession, the first since 1991. We have an epidemic of depression and increasing reports of suicides,” the bishops added.
The bishops also called for students to search for clarity of purpose and certainty of direction from the country’s leaders during the pandemic.
“We need to be critical and discerning against the many false narratives prevalent in media and the many unscientific unreasonable public policies. Once you understand the issues better, find creative ways to be active in bringing a solution in the light of the gospel. This is our Christian social responsibility,“ the bishops said.
They also appealed to those who did not share their “common Christian faith” yet shared a “common concern for the nation”.
The statement, “We plead with our friends in media to balance their coverage of the Covid-19 crisis. The science and facts have evolved away from the original narrative that caused and surrounded the lockdowns. Be truly independent and fearless. Follow the truth wherever it may lead.”
The bishops said, “We call on government officials to be more open to the new scientific insights and global experiences around Covid-19, even if these may challenge one’s belief systems and preferred approaches to managing the epidemic. Let us learn from the success stories of our ASEAN neighbours with political humility and collective honesty …”
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
On a final note, the bishops said hospitals should be “precise in targeting” who should receive priority in hospital care by protecting the most vulnerable sectors of society.
“Focus our strategy in protecting the most vulnerable sectors of society including the senior citizens and people threatened with other morbidities. More than anyone else, we bow in homage and gratitude to our medical frontliners who have laid down their lives that others may live,” the bishops said.
