Arriba Jesus!

A blessed feast day of the Birth of St John the Baptist! In the Church's liturgical year, we celebrate the birthdays of three important people: Our Lord (Dec 25), Our Lady (Sept 8), and St John the Baptist (June 24).

St John the Baptist is my special saint because he is the patron saint of my Alma Mater, the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. This year is special because the college is celebrating its 400th foundation anniversary.

One may ask, why San Juan de Letran and not San Juan Bautista? Letran obtained its name from the Archbasilica of St John of Lateran in Rome, the "Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World". Lateran (Letran in Spanish) was the surname of the family who once owned the property where this beautiful basilica now stands. I have been there twice and really loved that place. There one could see the cathedra (seat or throne) of the Pope as Bishop of Rome. 

Anyone who has passed through the august walls of Colegio de San Juan de Letran wouldn't fail to hear, say, and cry Arriba Letran! (Up, Letran!). It is a cry of inspiration, encouragement, affirmation, and support, especially during big events such as the NCAA games and commencement exercises. 

As Letran celebrates its 400th anniversary, I would imagine our patron saint crying Arriba. But his cry does not just point out to Letran. Nor does it just point out to Patria (country). Ultimately,it points out to Deus (God).

Like the best man in a wedding, he would call our attention to the bridegroom. Like the forerunner of old, his cry awakens us for the Lord who is to come. All through his life, John did not hog the limelight. I remember Ms Andrea Flores, my Religion teacher in Elementary, who reminded us in one of her lessons about the humility of John: He (Jesus) must increase; I must decrease. (John 3:30). Indeed, John's cry is Arriba Jesus!

As Letran ushers in a new chapter in its life as an educational institution, may it revisit and draw inspiration once again from St John the Baptist. Mirroring our patron saint, may all Letranites (as well as other devotees of the saint) always seek to celebrate, promote, and uphold Jesus in whatever walk of life they lead. As Fr Edmund Nantes, OP, (a fellow Letranite) once told us in his homily : Manalo, matalo, kay Kristo ako. (Win or lose, I'm standing for Christ).

Happy birthday, St John the Baptist! Continue to pray for us.

Arriba Letran! 

Arriba Filipinas! 

Arriba Jesus!

Respect (or the Lack of It)

Saying yes to God is not only an act of faith. It is also an act of respect to Him. You see, our God is such an awesome God because He willed to be with us in the person of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Being one like us, except sin, proves that God is not "watching us, from a distance", as a 90s song goes, but someone who is up, close, and personal. Being personal means being in a relationship with Him.

One of the important ingredients that keeps a relationship healthy is respect. Imagine parents not respecting each other, would their family thrive? Imagine community members not respecting each other, wouldn't that spell its demise? Imagine the government not respecting the rule of law and the rights of citizens, wouldn't that breed social unrest? Imagine the Church, especially those in the hierarchy, not respecting dignity of the poor and abused, wouldn't that cause scandal? Imagine if we don't respect God, wouldn't our souls be in peril? 

Why do we respect God and men? Isn't it because they are important in our lives? And because they are important, we make it a point not to offend them, yes? Sadly, since the time of Adam and Eve, our sins reveal how insignificant God and others are in our lives. If we respect God, we would make it a point, for example, to attend Sunday Mass. Devoting an hour in a week for the Lord is all He's asking! If we respect others, we would, for example, refrain from backstabbing them, attacking them in social media, or slandering them.

While on earth, Jesus was the perfect Son because He respected and fulfilled His Father's will. He was also the perfect gentleman because He respected people regardless if they were rich or poor, saint or sinner, Jew or Gentile.

Let's think of the relationship we have with God and those around us. How we value it determines how respectful we are.

***

President Duterte appoints Associate Justice Teresita De Castro as Chief Justice. While I respect the President's prerogative, I am disappointed with his lack of respect to people's plight in the hands of corruption and injustice (which he has been so vocal of) by appointing someone whose integrity is questionable (not to mention that she will only be in the position until her retirement in October - a windfall for her at the expense of the public).  Apart from deciding in favor of controversial cases such as allowing Marcos' remains to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, this Ampalaya Queen has not only complained, but also testified, and voted for the unconstitutional ouster of Maria Lourdes Sereno as Chief Justice.  De Castro's ambition is diabolical! Yes, change has come, for the worse!

Move On?

"Move on," goes an advice - solicited or not - we hear from people. At times, it sounds sensible, but there are occasions when it is downright rubbish. Take for example the recent pronouncement of Imee Marcos during a press conference, on those who keep on criticizing her family: "The millennials have moved on, and I think people at my age should also move on as well".

It seems easy for the late dictator's eldest daughter to say such things. Imagine being ensconced in Malacanan for two decades, not worrying what to eat or what to wear or where to study. Imagine enjoying political clout in the Kabataang Barangay, all because her father has seized control of everyone and everything in the land. Imagine having a good life while the populace suffer and shoulder her family's (and cronies') excesses. 

Imee's remarks are callous, dismissive, and irresponsible.

Their ouster and exile in Hawaii in 1986 should have been a wake up call for them to make amends. Their return to the Philippines in the early 90s (followed by that of Ferdinand Marcos' remains) showed the opposite. They came back as though they did not commit anything wrong. Gradually, they have returned to power with Imelda, Imee, and Bongbong having their version of rigodon de honor in select government positions in Ilocos Norte. (Bongbong is currently contesting Leni Robredo's election as Vice-President.)Their strong grip to power and court rulings in their favor - including the burial of the former strongman at the Libingan ng mga Bayani - would not be possible without the blessings of the current dispensation. 

Unless justice is rendered to the many Filipinos who suffered in the hands of the Marcos dictatorship (some of which have never been found up to this day), unless all that the Marcoses stole from the nation's coffers are recovered, unless Marcos' Presidential Decree No. 1177 (a.k.a. Automatic Appropriation Law) is repealed, unless the Marcoses get out of their ivory tower and do concrete actions to repair the damage they have caused, the Philippines will never move on.

As St John XXIII once said "Justice comes before charity."

Ayoko ng Garapal

When we were young, most of us would have heard some of our elders say cuss words. Of course, all of us would become curious what those words mean. One time, I asked my late aunt Mommy Rosie. All she told me was "Piet, ayoko ng garapal." (Piet, I do not like you to be flagrant.) I never heard Mommy say any foul language. Even when she was angry, she would not say any curses. 

A teacher way back home once admitted that it becomes more difficult nowadays to teach good manners and right conduct because young people are exposed to the President's foul language. I totally agree. Remember when he swore at the Pope for causing traffic when the latter visited the Philippines in 2015? Remember his many statements impregnated with vulgarity? As the youth witness how the President conducts himself, whatever and however he speaks and acts become good examples for them.

Ayoko ng garapal.

Lately, the President called God "stupid" in a speech. I could tolerate his foul language, but to call God stupid is highly uncalled for. This is not exercising his free speech, as some of his apologists would put it. It is actually an abuse of such freedom, because his remarks is plain blasphemy. 

Ayoko ng garapal.

It got me thinking why would he call God as such? Was he angry at God or perhaps he was angry with the men of God - bishops and priests of the Catholic Church - whom he has lambasted ever since assuming office? When Fr Mark Ventura of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao was killed, instead of conveying words of sympathy to the family and parishioners, what did Duterte say? He alleged that the priest had illicit affairs! 

Ayoko ng garapal.

Come June 30, it would be Duterte's second year as President. When he was sworn in, what were the last words of his oath? "So help me God" isn't it? As pater familias, he should have known better what invoking God's help meant. Asking for Divine Providence then and calling the same God stupid later is quite contradictory. Similar to his abhorrence to corruption and allowing Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in the hallow grounds reserved for the nation's heroes or firing his dishonest friends from one government agency and appointing them to another after the issues against them cool down.

Ayoko ng garapal.

I join fellow Christians - Catholic and non-Catholic alike - in condemning the President's irresponsible remarks. As we condemn such act - we are not condemning the person, take note! - let us reflect on what God has done for us. Surely, there is a reason why we call Him loving, merciful, forgiving, generous, and so on and so forth. I'm sure it's what we experienced from Him. Did Mr Duterte not experience the goodness (or any other attributes) of God? I hope not. At any rate, let's pray that he would be enlightened and realize that there is more to know about God. Let's also become good role models for our youth through our gentle words and good actions. 

Let us remain steadfast in the faith, the way Saints Peter and Paul - whose feast day we are celebrating today - lived, defended, and laid their lives for it.

Constitution in Peril

May 11, 1992 was a memorable date for the Philippines because it was the first synchronized national and local elections under the 1987 Constitution. Although unable to vote - I was a few days shy of turning 18 then - I was involved in the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPC-RV). I was stationed at Lakan Dula High School along Juan Street. As far as Gagalangin was concerned, the elections were peaceful. The following month, Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada were inaugurated as President and Vice President respectively.

The Constitution has been the guiding principle of our land. Such framework is necessary for a nation to thrive. A few months before the 1992 elections, the Senate has rejected the Philippine-US Bases Agreement in spite of Cory Aquino's campaign to have it approved. The Upper Chamber has done so because it has been empowered by the Constitution as the sole treaty-ratifying body (Article VII Section 21). The Charter also empowers the Senate as the sole impeachment trial court for officials such as president, vice president, chief justice, ombudsman, etc (Article XI sections 2 and 3).

May 11, 2018 was a day of infamy for our country because, on a vote of 8-6,  the Supreme Court has booted out one of its members - Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno - on a quo warranto petition against her by the Solicitor General. This, in utter ignorance of what the Constitution has stipulated. It is a shame that the Supreme Court - the last resort of Mang Juan de la Cruz - has gone to this unconstitutional route because of bad blood against a neophyte colleague who was chosen over them as chief magistrate. It felt like the majority of justices behaved like kids who don't want a newbie to join in their circle. That weak spot became a way for the administration to get rid of its nemesis and gain control of what should be an independent and co-equal branch of government. No need for Martial Law, right?

Six of those justices who voted against Chief Justice Sereno were asked by her to recuse from the hearing because of their obvious bias (Accuser and judge at the same time? What is that?). Strangely, these men and woman in robes didn't yield to the request. Have they done the honorable thing, according to Professor Winnie Monsod, "[the] quo warranto petition would be in the trash can now, where it belongs."

Indeed, a precedent has been created because of this ghastly ruling: any judge or other constitutional official can be ousted though a quo warranto petition. No need for an impeachment trial, isn't it? This breeds a sycophant culture in government where no one will have the balls to defy the powers-that-be. This puts off our youth from serving the public through the government. This reduces government as a domain of the few than a forum for all.

I find it strange that the Senate, through its President, only made a statement hours after the ruling was made. They should have made noise about this earlier on. What remains to be seen is if Congress will proceed with the impeachment of Mrs Sereno or not.

I don't know what the next May 11 of the years to come would bring, but I hope it would be something good for the country. For now, let these events be a lesson for all. Left to our own devices (and that includes the grudges we nurse or our loyalties to so and so), there would be mayhem. But with the Constitution we have order. Hence, it has to be upheld. The Supreme Court failed to do so. It's high time to unite and fight!

The Three Wise Men of 2017

It's this time of year again when I recognize the modern Magi of our times. I must admit, I have been remiss of this annual 'tradition'. I wasn't able to choose one for 2016. So here I am trying to redeem my self. So much for my excuses. Drum roll please...and the winners, in my book, are Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Supt. Byron Allatog.

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio was appointed to the Supreme Court (SC) of the Philippines in 2001. He was one of the High Court's youngest appointees. Carpio's personal advocacy is "to protect and preserve Philippine territorial and maritime sovereignty specifically in the West Philippine Sea." He figured in the country's successful fight against China over the West Philippine Sea, which, unfortunately the present administration has taken for granted. 

As for rulings made by the Court on some controversial issues, Carpio dissented on the burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, the dismissal of the plunder case against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (who, incidentally appointed him to the SC), and the granting of bail on Juan Ponce Enrile on plunder charges (which is non-bailable). I enjoyed listening to how he grilled resource persons during the court hearings on the Marcos burial: sharp and thought provoking. 

Recently, an impeachment complaint has been lodged against SC Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno in the House of Representatives. Two SC associate justices and a retired associate justice have given testimonies before the House Committee on Justice. As of this writing, a few more are expected to attend. Carpio has declined to be part of this moro-moro.  Gone are the days when justices would shun public gatherings lest it becomes an avenue to influence their judgements. With justices appearing before an investigation, I could just sense the envy in those magistrates to the point that they have subjected the judiciary at the mercy of a co-equal branch of government. Surely, there are still ways of resolving issues within an agency. If there is anyone who should be envious of Sereno it should be Carpio. Being the most senior magistrate, he should have been named Chief Justice. In spite of being bypassed, he remained professional and beyond reproach, dispensing justice according to the dictates of the law even if in a number of SC decisions, he belongs to the minority. Carpio offers us the wisdom of love for country above all else.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was named Archbishop of Manila in 2011. He became a cardinal the following year. A much sought and charismatic speaker, Tagle's motto is "It is the Lord" (John 21:7). Throughout his ministry, first in the Diocese of Imus and later in the Archdiocese of Manila, he was known for his simple lifestyle and his inspiring homilies. In Imus, he was known to be travelling using public ride and inviting the poor to share a meal with him. 

Unlike a number of prelates known for their engagement in 'culture wars', Tagle comes across as a progressive man of the cloth. He was more into helping the poor rather than merely talking against (or condemning) the evils of society. Reading through his pastoral statements, I could feel the Cardinal's in depth approach on church and social issues such as the lack of priests, clerical sexual abuse, drug menace, and extrajudicial killings. In his homilies, I could see a pastor who does his best to reach out to the faithful. I could see Tagle as a compassionate father who will walk with his children, not someone who condemns. 

While President Duterte has bad mouthed the Catholic Church hierarchy, I haven't heard Tagle being singled out or besmirched like some of his confreres. It seems to me that by the Cardinal's pastoral approach, he has won the respect of people from both sides. Tagle offers us the wisdom of having "the smell of the sheep".

Supt. Byron Allatog became a policeman in 2001 (the same year Carpio became an SC justice and Tagle became a bishop). Prior to his appointment as chief of Bogo Police Station in Central Visayas, Allatog was Assistant Regional Chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). He admitted that the government's campaign against illegal drugs has tested his Bontoc roots' belief on the value of life. His directive to his men back then in CIDG and now in Bogo, is to let the suspect live as much as possible. "...if it is not necessary to kill, then why do it?", he once said. 

According to reports, Bogo City has not recorded a single killing since Allatog assumed the post in 2016. Also, the city has been recognized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) as the first city in Central Visayas and the second in the whole country to be drug-free. Still, Allatog and his men continue to be vigilant in their campaign. 

His community-based approach aims at empowering people so they will support peace and order efforts. By the looks of it, this law enforcement officer's viewpoint proves that the bloody campaign made allegedly by other policemen is totally unnecessary. That humans, in spite of their many flaws, can still be saved. Allatog offers us the wisdom of respect for life.

At a time when Filipinos are becoming pessimistic with the judiciary, have become lukewarm with the Church, have been unreasonably fearful of law enforcement agencies, have been misled by demagogues, or have grown weary of where the Philippines is heading to, the wisdom shown to us by Carpio, Tagle, and Allatog gives our country a flicker of hope.

Mama Mary

One of the amazing things I have experienced having friends is being welcomed into their families as though I was one of them, and vice versa.  And being Filipinos, the terms of endearment we use at home applies elsewhere. Thus, we call our friends’ older siblings as Manong and Manang, or Kuya and Ate. As for their parents it’s Tito and Tita or sometimes, Daddy and Mommy, Papa and Mama, or Tatay and Nanay.

I don’t know about you, but it felt good to have that rapport (up to a certain degree) with friend’s families. I remember two friends, Art and Vlad Reyes (They’re not related!), whose moms we address as Nanay Espie and Nanay Remy respectively. Both have been warm and welcoming to me and other friends. I must say that I wouldn’t have known and understood more my friends had it not for their mothers.  

I have another friend whose mother loved her son through and through. A mom who helps me to know and understand more her son. A mom who provides that strong link between my friend and I. A mom who continues to accept, admonish, and love me in spite of the many times I have hurt my friend. This friend of mine is not just any ordinary friend. He is a friend, Teacher, Healer, Savior, Lord, and God rolled into one. He is Jesus. And His Mother is Mama Mary, "the kindest and most loving of all mothers". 

I often wonder how (and when) we Pinoy Catholics learned to address the Blessed Virgin as Mama Mary. While the English would address her as Our Lady and the Italians as Madonna, we have called her in an informal yet intimate way. We have called her as though she was family.

A few weeks ago, I had an interesting conversation with an expatriate. She and her family are active in their parish so I thought of inviting them to come along to our group's Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help in our parish. She politely declined and explained to me that she and her husband are on a spiritual journey. She admitted that she used to have a deeper relationship with Mary (deeper than her relationship with Jesus in the past) and used to pray the Rosary, but learned that she could directly pray to God and would like to focus on building a relationship with Jesus. She hopes that in God's time she will be enlightened. 

I felt sad when she told me her experience. What caused her to abandon her long-held Marian devotion? Did she feel that her deeper relationship with Mary hinders having a sound relationship with Jesus? I explained to her though that our group's focus is also on Jesus and that Mary, being His Mother, serves only as a way to Him, a companion in our spiritual journey and deeper relationship with the Lord. I closed our conversation by assuring her of my prayers.

Perhaps some of us may have had a similar experience. Regardless, I would like to offer three quotes for us to ponder: 

“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did.” (St Maximilian Kolbe)

“Let us not imagine that we obscure the glory of the Son by the great praise we lavish on the Mother; for the more she is honored, the greater is the glory of her Son. There can be no doubt that whatever we say in praise of the Mother gives equal praise to the Son.” (St Bernard of Clairvaux)

"A Christian without Our Lady is an orphan." (Pope Francis)

As we celebrate Mama Mary's birthday on September 8, let us ask for the grace to have a deeper relationship with her, our spiritual mother. Let us also ask for the grace to appreciate that we are part of a family - God's People, the Church - and actively contribute to its growth. With the many tribulations the Church, our country, the world have to face, we need her more than ever. Through Mama Mary, we will be able to reach "the goal we seek - Jesus, her Son” (St Louis Marie de Montfort).

Happy birthday, Mama Mary! Thank you for your love and guidance. Help us to always listen to Your Son and to love one another as He has commanded us. Continue to lead us to Him. We love you!

The Fourth K

What could have prevented the two disciples from recognizing the Lord on their way to Emmaus? Perhaps the experience of Jesus' shameful death on the cross was still fresh in their minds. Perhaps the loss of such a good friend and Master was still painful deep inside. 

The experience of these disciples was similar to that of Mary Magdalene when she thought of the Risen Lord as a gardener (John 20:11-18). As Mary Magdalene recognized the Lord when He called her name, the disciples would later recognize their travel companion in the breaking of bread.

The month of May is a time when fiestas occur in many parts of the Philippines. And when we talk about fiestas, the first thing that comes to our minds is sharing a meal with others.  Here in the UK, our group of friends gather for a meal every now and then, especially after our monthly Mass and Novena in the parish. Sharing a meal is an opportune time to the endless three Ks: kumustahan (greeting), kuwentuhan (storytelling), and katuwaan (banter). Sharing a meal breaks loose our stifled spirits, our stressed out minds, our restless hearts. I guess those three Ks were present during that evening meal in Emmaus. And it was made more special, more meaningful because of the fourth K: Kristo (Christ)!

As we share a meal with family, friends, and even strangers, as we share that great meal in church called the Mass, may we recognize the Risen Jesus' presence in our midst and bear witness to that presence wherever we may go.

Talking about the Mass, Pope Francis tells us "There is always a Word of God that gives us guidance when we slip; and through our weariness and disappointments there is always a Bread that is broken that keeps us going on the journey." 

***

May brings to mind two of my heavenly patrons: the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph. May is Mary's month and so we bring her flowers to express our love and gratitude. Interestingly, the first day of this merry month is dedicated to her husband.  For me, it tells us one thing: if we would like to know more about Mary, if we would like to love her, if we would like to follow her footsteps, we have to go to Joseph! If anyone (apart from Jesus) would have known, loved, and followed her it would be St Joe. This year is really special because we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary when Mary appeared in Fatima. In one of those apparitions, St Joseph appeared with the Child Jesus blessing the world. So let's ask St Joseph to help us in becoming good children of Mary, of becoming doers of "whatever Jesus tells us" (cf. John 2:5).

The Buck Stops Here

The late US president Harry S Truman used to keep a sign with this phrase while holding office at the White House. For him, it served as a constant reminder that as president he has to make the decisions and accept full responsibility for those decisions.

Since that day of infamy when the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) allowed the burial of Ferdinand Marcos' remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), mass protests, commentaries, statements, etc have been made denouncing the decision and vilifying the 9 associate justices who were in favour of such burial, the heirs of the former dictator for their deviousness in having the remains buried secretly at the LNMB, and Ferdinand Marcos himself for his 20-year rule of oppression and plunder.

There have been some commentators who were quick to point out that the blame for such an unthinkable burial shouldn't be put on the SC nor the Marcoses. The blame or the buck stops at President Rodrigo Duterte.  I totally agree. For wasn't Duterte the one who promised during the presidential campaign to have Marcos' remains interred at the LNMB? And when he won the elections, didn't he give orders to his subordinates to implement his promise? By the looks of it, the SC, Marcos Family, AFP, PNP, etc just took the cue from the President!

I think protests actions should not only highlight that the late strongman is not a hero. Protests should not only underscore the SC's failure to look beyond the letter of the law. Protests should not only bring to the fore the Marcoses' notoriety for using subterfuge on many, many occasions (when they were still in power and now that they feel entitled to such power, thanks to the President). 

The protests that are being organised across the country and beyond should also condemn Duterte's callousness for letting Marcos be buried in a cemetery reserved for heroes and for dismissing the atrocities of the Marcos dictatorship as though they were kuwentong kutsero. 

Had Duterte steered clear of the Marcoses, had he been more aware and sensitive of the plight of the Martial Law victims, had he acted more as a statesman rather than a politician our country would not be in this mess! I find it strange that Duterte seemed to have forgotten that his late mother fought against the dictatorship. And that his rise to power began when Cory Aquino appointed him OIC Vice Mayor of Davao.

Duterte should be called to task for showing his real colour: a tuta (lapdog) of the Marcoses.

Now that's one sign we should see unfurled during these mass protests!

***

It's the start of the Advent season this Sunday! Let this season be a moment for us to rethink of our past, of our values, of all our gains and losses. Let Advent be an opportunity for us to realize where we are going to. Is it back to the manger of Bethlehem or nowhere? Let this holy season be a time for us to rediscover that only in Jesus could we find the light which will defeat in the darkness our country is in. From November 29 to December 7, let us say at least a decade of the Rosary, asking Mary Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (our country's patroness) to lead us to Jesus, to yearn for the Promised Messiah: O come, O come Emmanuel and ransom captive Orient's Pearl!

A Thief

The Year of Mercy will be formally closed on Sunday November 20, the feast of Christ the King.  Looking back, this holy year was an opportune time to rediscover God's mercy and make it felt especially by everyone, especially those in need. It is unfortunate though that in the Philippines, this holy year closes with a low note, thanks (or no thanks) to the infamous ruling of the Supreme Court (SC) allowing the remains of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB).

By looking more at the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the same, the 9 associate justices have washed their hands from any responsibility to clarify and put to rest such an issue. By looking more at the letter of the law rather than the spirit of the law, our magistrates have shown the typical forgetfulness of Filipinos on the sins of their oppressors. By looking more at the letter rather than the spirit of the law, the Court has lost the opportunity to administer what is too obvious: justice for the Martial Law victims, justice for the whole Philippines.

I don't know where these justices were while Marcos and his minions pillaged the country left and right and trampled the rights of its people with impunity. Have our justices become subservient to the Palace the way the Legislative branch has done? One thing is for sure: allowing Marcos to be buried at the LNMB won't bring any closure, healing, or unity.

Just a few hours ago, we've seen video footage and photos of Marcos' remains secretly being buried at the LNMB. Without waiting for the petitioners to challenge the SC's decision, the Marcoses have pushed through with the burial. Why in secret? (And please, Malacanan, don't give us that flimsy excuse that you are not aware of the interment!) Did Marcos die of cholera or any infectious disease?  Is there a war that the body needs to be buried hastily? What's there to hide? I suddenly remembered what my mother used to say; that no matter how deep you bury a jar of bagoong (anchovy sauce), it will still smell! No matter how the Marcoses hide their sins, the people will still smell the stench of their deeds. So be vigilant, people!

And why only family and few supporters in attendance? Shouldn't the country celebrate a hero's burial? For that's what the Court ruling tells us. At any rate, the burial just reveals who he really is: a thief.

I note that the Gospel for the 20th is about a thief who, in his final hours, repented and humbly asked Jesus to remember him when the Lord comes into His kingdom. So much different to the thief whose remains are now interred at the LNMB: unrepentant, arrogant, and pathetic.

Shining Within Us

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,
Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

I have accidentally omitted this beautiful song in my recent article on the Taize prayer service which was held in our parish.  With a slow and gentle tempo, this song allows us anyone who sings it to meditate, to let one's heart speak to the Lord.

 

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,
Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

I think of this song as I recall that horrible mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. In an interview, the father of the gunman had one question to his son: Why? Indeed, most if not all of us affected by this incident would echo the same question. Is it pure hatred on the LGBT (Lesbian, gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community? If it is, would killing 49 people and wounding another 50 be justifiable?

 

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,
Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

My thoughts too go to that bishop in Shanghai, China, Thaddeus Ma Daqin who recently made an about face when he publicly recanted his decision to bolt the Chinese Catholic Patriotic Association (CCPA). CCPA is sanctioned by the state to control the life of the Catholic Church in China since the 1950s. Control includes ordaining their own bishops without the blessing from Vatican. When Daqin was ordained, he publicly dissociated himself with CCPA. Put under house arrest, he did not give into pressure to recant and served as a model to Catholics who secretly maintained their loyalty to Rome. Until last June 12. What made him change his mind?

 

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,
Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

While my heart has high hopes for the President-elect in my land of birth, I felt uneasy with how he has already alienated a host of people: the UN, the Catholic Church (albeit I would imagine that his ire is more focused on the leaders of the Church), the Martial Law victims, women, the media, and the Vice President-elect (I could understand why he is not going to appoint her to his Cabinet, but having a separate inauguration is beyond me!). He seems hell-bent to have the former dictator buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.  Why? To console the Marcoses at the expense of the many who suffered under the dictatorship? Elections are political exercises. They divide people. Some are in this camp, while another is on that camp, etc. But now that they're over, shouldn't Duterte, as paterfamilias, reach out to everyone (regardless if they voted for him or not) instead of catering only to the needs of his friends and others close to him?

 

Lord Jesus, your light is shining within us,Let not my doubts and darkness speak to me.
Lord Jesus, your light is shining within in us.
Let my heart always welcome your love.

In these moments of darkness and doubt, in these times when we would often ask "Why?", let us take courage in Jesus' light "shining within us". Let us also pray that this same light will shine on the victims of the Orlando shooting, on Omar Mateen (RIP) and others who have wrong views on other people, on Thaddeus Ma Daqin, on our fellow Catholics in China who keep the faith alive, on President-elect Duterte, and on our country.  And because it's Father's Day this Sunday, let us also remember all fathers in our prayer.  May we all be guided by this light to work for what is true and just.

 

Starting Off on the Wrong Foot

The only time I voted for a president and vice president in the Philippines was in 1998.  By the next presidential election in 2004, I was already in the UK. A few years later, I have become a British citizen.  In spite of my inability to vote, I have my own choice from among the presidential candidates.  If I were to cast my vote in the recent election, I would end up undecided until the last minute. At this point, whoever my last minute choice is would be irrelevant. Rodrigo Duterte is the president in waiting. Leni Robredo, thank goodness, is the vice president in waiting!

 

During the presidential debates, candidates were asked if they would allow Ferdinand Marcos to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Only one said no - Mar Roxas. I felt uneasy with the response of his contenders such as Duterte and Binay. And I imagined them being true to their promise once they get elected. Duterte has announced his intention to do so which caused some quarters to be up in arms such as the victims and survivors of Martial Law.

Six years ago, I expressed concerns because President Noynoy Aquino was reportedly considering a proposal to have the late dictator interred at the Libingan.  With a new regime in the horizon, these concerns have lurked anew.

When Cory was president she didn't allow her predecessor's remains to be buried in Philippine soil. When Fidel Ramos was elected, he allowed the remains to be flown home, but on several conditions which, Imelda and her children have not yet fulfilled. According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the conditions are:  "that the body would be given the honors of a junior officer, that it would be buried immediately, and that the burial place would be in Marcos’ home province of Ilocos Norte."

If the Marcoses have not been fair with the conditions set by a president (during that time) and a relative at that, why should they have the gall of insisting for a hero's burial for the deceased strongman? Many years ago, I was in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte (Marcos' birthplace) and had a chat with Manong Conrado, the katiwala in our family home there who has passed away a few years back. Asked where he would prefer the Apo to be buried, he quipped, "Dito na lang (sa Sarrat). Maalagaan pa namin yung libingan niya."

Why and how the Marcoses have thrived and behaved all these years post-EDSA Uno, is due to our short memory as a people. And now the president in waiting seems hell bent to honor a former president-turned-dictator/human rights violator/plunderer with a hero's burial, dismissing concerns from Marcos' victims as purely for monetary gain. (Wasn't this the same argument Bongbong Marcos once said regarding the victims of his father's dictatorial rule? Imagine if this guy was elected vice president!)  This is beyond me. At a time when we should be full of hope for our country because of a new leader, I fear that the new dispensation is starting off on the wrong foot.

Let's be vigilant, mga kababayan! There is an online petition urging Duterte to abandon his plan (https://www.change.org/p/rodrigo-duterte-no-to-burying-marcos-in-heroes-cemetery). Please sign it!

No to FM Burial at the Libingan!



 

A People of Mercy

April 28 this year marks the 67th death anniversary of a great Filipina who was known for her works of mercy: Mrs Aurora Aragon-Quezon.  Even before becoming the nation's first First Lady, she was already engaged in works of mercy. One incident which I find touching happened when she discontinued her studies due to poor health. Returning to her hometown in Baler, she brought the books she purchased while still in Manila and put up a library for the benefit of her town mates, some of which may not have received proper education. 

Later in her life, she became involved in charitable institutions such as the Associacion de Damas de Filipinas and White Cross. Towards the end of her life, she became the first Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross. Apart from these organizations, she was also engaged in religious associations like the Catholic Women's League and the committee in charge of raising funds for the rehabilitation of the Antipolo Church.

In celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy which Pope Francis opened on December 8, 2015, a renowned bishop urged the seminaries in his diocese to become seminaries of mercy. In order to achieve this, he offered the following steps: (1) by becoming in touch with humanity; (2) by being united to divinity; and (3) by cultivating spirituality.

I think the bishop's exhortation applies even to other groups and individuals who wish to be merciful like the Father. I also think these three served as hallmarks of Mrs Quezon rendering mercy to her fellowmen.

She was in touch with humanity. Described as a strict, but understanding mother, she looked after her family well. There was a time when her husband Manuel became a lapsed Catholic. It was said that through her perseverance, her husband returned to his faith. She was also a hands-on landowner, a staunch supporter of women's rights to vote, and according to President Elpidio Quirino, "a mother to her people".

She was united with divinity. She was a woman of prayer who would frequently attend Mass and say the Rosary.  A Marian devotee, she led other lay faithful from the Archdiocese of Manila in making an appeal to the country to pray for peace.

Finally, she cultivated spirituality in her life. It was not enough that she was engaged with broken humanity. It wouldn't suffice too if she just said a hundred and one prayers. Equally important was for her to imitate the Father who is "rich in mercy" (Psalm 103:8). 

Through Mrs Quezon's numerous works of mercy, healing was effected on those whose lives she touched. As Fr Pacifico Ortiz, SJ would put it "(Mrs Quezon) walked through life doing good, who was light unto the blind, protecting unto the weak, the mother of the poor, and in a sense the mother of us all...to keep us together, to heal broken friendships, to bind up political wounds, to pour the oil of compassion upon the social ulcers of our age, to cherish and guard the sanctities of the home."

At times, it is not easy to be merciful; let alone being merciful like the Heavenly Father. Some people would misunderstand us. Some may take us for granted. Some may become envious of us. Worse, some may even say or do evil things to us. Sadly, this was what happened to Mrs Quezon. While on her way to her hometown to inaugurate the Manuel Quezon Memorial Hospital, she and a number of her companions were ambushed and killed by insurgents. A story goes that Mrs Quezon was forewarned of insurgents, but shrugged off the threat because she knew the leader of the insurgents. Be it as it may, Mrs Quezon showed her determination to continue her good works in spite of these threats. If her poor health and subsequent withdrawal from university didn't prevent her from helping her town mates, I believe her death didn't halt her works of mercy - the charitable and religious organisations she was affiliated with are still existing and continuing her legacy!

Becoming merciful like the Father doesn't have any perks. "Get ready to be hurt," says Cardinal Chito Tagle. The only promise that Jesus assures those who are merciful is that they will be shown mercy in the afterlife (Matthew 5:7). Regardless of the difficulties we are encountering or may encounter, let us keep ourselves focused in doing works of mercy. That way we would keep the memory of Mrs Quezon alive. We would become a people of mercy!

 

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In a few days, the Philippines will be having its national (and local) elections.  Elections would naturally polarize people. Some will go for this candidate while others would go for that candidate. Still others would be undecided. The Year of Mercy is an opportune time for us to think and act. Are the candidates merciful like the Father? Do their track record attest to this or not? I know it's so easy to be swept away by candidates' words, but we need to check if their actions would agree with whatever they say. It's not enough for us to hear candidates condemning corruption, poverty, injustice, and other maladies of society. We need to hear what will they do to eliminate these. One problem that the country is still suffering from is that 40% of its annual budget is automatically allocated for debt servicing, thanks to Ferdinand Marcos (who made it a law) and to his successors (who keep on implementing such an immoral law). From what I gather from the presidential candidates, it seems that it will be business as usual. How unmerciful!

***

 

When Mrs Quezon was still alive, she was asked to run for public office. She declined the offer, but instead supported those she believed to be capable of serving the country. She could have grabbed the opportunity since she was the wife of a former president and has earned respect from the people, but she chose not to. Looking at some candidates, I can only shake my head in disgust. There's this movie actress running for the Senate. Ditto this boxing champion-turned congressman. What will they do there? Pose? It's as though becoming a politician would be the only way for them to help the people. It sometimes makes me wonder what their real motive is to run.  It may be too late in the day to appeal to these candidates to withdraw from the race, but it is not yet late for the voters to look for better, much deserving candidates. The power's in your hands, dear voters! Maawa kayo sa ating bayan!