Final Countdown

I don't know about you but I believe a countdown to the end of the PGMA presidency has already begun. Unconfirmed reports are saying that PGMA and her Cabinet are just waiting for the CBCP's official statement at the end of this week before they will act accordingly. This open letter of Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales, issued late afternoon of July 5/Tuesday, can give us an idea of what the CBCP's official statement will be:

"Once again, we Filipinos, find ourselves going through very hard times. Many are poor, hungry, searching for a better life for themselves and their families. If only we would just focus our minds and hearts, and work together to find solutions to the poverty that has not ceased to plague us, we might find ourselves moving forward as a nation.

Instead, our national attention and energies are taken up by division and altercations. Serious charges have been made against our leaders and officials. Despite expressions of regret, many remain angry, confused, hurt.

In this situation, as your shepherd and pastor, I wish to call to mind fundamental principles that should govern our search for solutions to our present crisis

First, let us remember that the offended cannot simply be consoled by expressions of regret. Forgiveness does not eliminate the need for justice, nor should it block the search for truth. Genuine forgiveness demands more than an apology, and those who seek forgiveness should be ready to be called to accountability.

Second, the pursuit of truth regarding the grave charges against leaders and officials should be conducted within the provisions of our Constitution and should respect the laws of the land. Any proposition that disregards our Constitution and legal systems weakens our institutions and paves the way for a graver instability that can cause more profound suffering to our people.

Third, any proposed solution to our present situation that rellies on or leads to violence is unacceptbale. violence harms the innocent and inflicts wounds so deep that will take generations to heal.

Fourth, we ask our leaders to give our people hope, by giving immediate attention to authenticate reform. Political systems that are prone to corruption must be swiftly and decisively reformed, and institutions built that can effectively respond to the aspirations of our people for a better life.

Finally, in these confusing times when people are easily swayed by emotions and led astray by quick-fix solutions, may cooler heads prevail. Let true lovers of the Filipino people come together to discern carefully before God, what is truly for the immediate and long-run good of our country. Let us not fall easy prey to those self-seeking politicians from all the different political parties, who have held the country's future hostage to their own ambitions, and have brought us to where we sadly find ourselves today."