MANILA (UCAN): With more than four million people are out of work in the Philippines, unemployment has become a graver than the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, Father Emman Afable of Sorsogon said on June 7.
Speaking following the release of a government report that revealed 4.14 million people were out of work in May compared to 3.4 million in March, Father Afable noted that millions of Filipinos are being forced to beg and line up for food handouts.
“In my parish alone, we receive hundreds of letters begging for help each day. We donate groceries and other offerings which are snapped up immediately. People are hungry and many are getting poorer,” Father Afable explained.
He said community pantries that have sprung up in Manila and other areas will not be enough to feed the poor.
“Community pantries and Church donations are not sustainable if there are fewer donors and more people are getting hungry. Today in my parish, we have fewer benefactors and more people begging,” he added.
The priest warned the situation will get worse if the Philippine government allows corrupt officials to divert and pocket funds meant for the welfare of the people.
“We should not really be banking on Church support in providing jobs or feeding the people. The power of the purse is with the government. So, unless the government steps up to stop those pocketing money for the people, we are in a sinking ship,” Father Afable said.
“There are many groups now calling to end corruption in government. Let them serve as the moral voice of the people to seek reform in government,” he added.
