ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Cardinal Advincula's appeal: Prayer and sobriety to face political tensions

Manila (Agenzia Fides) - A heartfelt appeal for prayer and moderation in a political and social phase marked by tensions that could lead to a "political storm" in the Philippines comes today, November 27, from the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal José Advincula, who expresses his deep concern that growing political tensions are diverting attention from the needs of the most vulnerable, especially the victims of the recent typhoons. The Cardinal called on the faithful to pray for the country's leaders "so that moderation may prevail in our country and that political issues and self-interest do not divide the nation". "We pray", he continued, "that politicians have the humility to listen to each other with respect and act together for the good of the country". In light of the events that are now seeing the clash at the top of the country and institutions between the political dynasties of Marcos and Duterte - allies until yesterday - the Archbishop of Manila also appeals to the leaders of civil society organizations to "work to prevent the escalation of political and personal conflicts". "Let us all pray for forgiveness and reconciliation and never doubt God's grace and love for his people," he added.
In his appeal, the Cardinal refers to the confrontation between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, which is heating up the political landscape of the Philippines and extending to the supporters of the two most powerful political families in the country. The Philippine Congress, composed mostly of members of the parties loyal to Marcos, has officially opened an investigation into alleged corruption related to the expenses of Sara Duterte in her capacity as Vice President and Minister of Education (she had given up the ministerial post last June). Another investigation is looking at the thousands of killings linked to the so-called "war on drugs" against drug traffickers and addicts implemented during the presidency of Sara's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. The escalation was also verbal: In mutual public accusations, Vice President Sara Duterte threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. killed "if she herself is eliminated."
According to observers, the former president's daughter, who enjoys strong popular support, has sought to escalate the political confrontation in view of the mid-2025 midterm elections. Meanwhile, the rector of the Shrine of Saint Mary Queen of Peace, on Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue (EDSA Shrine), Father Jerome Secillano, has recorded a massive and extraordinary influx of people to the important Marian shrine in recent days. The shrine has particular historical significance: it was built on the street where the non-violent popular revolution was organized in 1986 that deposed the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the current president. The many people who visited the shrine stayed for hours inside the shrine, often attending Mass twice in a row, some wearing white clothes. According to the rector, these are probably not "spontaneous visits", but there was a specific invitation to appear in front of the shrine, although it is not clear who promoted and organized this initiative.
"Whatever caused this sudden increase in the number of visitors to the shrine," said Father Secillano, he hopes that it will be done with "the utmost simplicity, prudence and spiritual depth." (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 27/11/2024)

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