MANILA (Agencies): Jose Cardinal Advincula of Manila, along with Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, the retired archbishop of Cotabato, celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at San Miguel Parish Church near Malacañang Palace, Manila on July 1, attended by new Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.; vice president Sara Duterte; and their cabinet secretaries.
Cardinal Advincula called on the new president “to seek the good not only of some individuals or particular groups but of the Philippine society as a whole,” CBCP News reported.
Addressing the government officials, the cardinal urged them to “be leaders who give life to our people, especially the needy and disadvantaged”.
He said, “As we meet in our offices and conference halls asking questions in our heads, may we be mindful of our people who ask questions in their empty stomachs,”adding, “Guided by truth, urged by charity, and passionate for justice and peace, may you spend yourselves in the service of the common good.”
He [Marcos, Jr.] also needs to address the plight of farmers versus imported agricultural products. This has worsened due to the Rick Tarrification Law that paved the way for more imported rice to reach the Philippines
Bishop Bagaforo
UCAN reported Social Action Chairperson, Father Joseph De Leon of Mindanao, as remarking, “The presence of our cardinals is part of the principled cooperation that the Catholic Church’s hierarchy is extending to the new administration. Even the papal nuncio has assured President Marcos of the Vatican’s cooperation.”
Father De Leon said that the cardinals’ presence was meant to be an assurance that everyone is welcome to work for the common good.
Several Church groups, including clergy, campaigned for former vice president, Leni Robredo, who ran against Marcos Jr.
However, Marcos Jr. polled 68 percent of the votes pooled in the October-November election.
“As long as it is for the common good, the Church is always there to support it. We will not discriminate. The people have chosen, so their will must be respected,” Father De Leon added.
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Some clergy expressed their support for Marcos Jr. after hearing about Pope Francis’ congratulatory remarks, which were read by papal nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown, on June 29.
“In assuring you of my prayers that you will be sustained in wisdom and strength, I invoke Almighty God’s blessings of peace and prosperity upon the nation,” the pope said in his message.
The presence of our cardinals is part of the principled cooperation that the Catholic Church’s hierarchy is extending to the new administration. Even the papal nuncio has assured President Marcos of the Vatican’s cooperation
Father De Leon
Caritas Philippines said that although some bishops have extended their support to the president, he must not lose sight of the present concerns of the poor.
Caritas chief ,Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, said Marcos, Jr. should not forget to solve the country’s social ills like poverty and corruption. Citing a Philippine Statistics Authority report, the bishop noted that “Poverty rose to 23.7 per cent during the first semester of 2021. That is equivalent to 26.1 million people.”
Bishop Bagaforo also urged Marcos to make food accessible to all by becoming head of the Agriculture Department.
It would the first time in Philippine history that the president has become head of the Agriculture Department, the bishop said.
“He [Marcos, Jr.] also needs to address the plight of farmers versus imported agricultural products. This has worsened due to the Rick Tarrification Law that paved the way for more imported rice to reach the Philippines,” Bishop Bagaforo added in an interview with Radyo Veritas.
“Caritas will continue to foster principled cooperation with the government. The Church will work with government initiatives that respect the rights and dignity of the Filipino people. There is no question about that.”
Churchgoers who supported Marcos have praised the Church hierarchy for showing support. “We are relieved that we are seeing our religious leaders’ presence in the activities of the president. He is also a Catholic and he needs prayers and support in running the country,” Manila parishioner, Kate Sayson said.
