(Vatican Radio) The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is concluding
its three-day plenary assembly today at the Pius XII Center in Manila.
Almost
100 bishops from various dioceses across the country are in attendance to tackle administrative
and national concerns.
The three-day assembly was preceded by a two-day seminar
on Spirituality of Stewardship and on the theme of the recently concluded Synod of
Bishops on the New Evangelization.
In a message to the CBCP, Pope Benedict
XVI imparted his “apostolic blessing” to the bishops and said that he trusts that
their meeting “will bear fruit.”
He also prayed for the activities planned
for the beginning of the nine-year period in preparation for the fifth centenary celebrations
of Christianity in the Philippines.
The pontiff’s message was relayed by Vatican
Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone through the Papal nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe
Pinto who graced the opening of the plenary assembly.
At the conclusion of
their meeting the Bishops’ Conference issued the following Pastoral Statement, signed
Archbishop Jose Palma, the President of the Conference: PROCLAIM THE MESSAGE,
IN SEASON AND OUT OF SEASON (cf. 2 Tim 4:2) A Pastoral Statement of the
CBCP on Certain Social Issues of Today
Beloved Brothers and Sisters: Our
country continues to suffer grave crises, disasters and challenges. We are reminded
of the experience of the tempest at sea by the Apostles when they feared for their
lives. Jesus chided them for their lack of faith. (cf. Mk 4:35-41)
Our Problems
as a Nation
We have had our share of violent storms. Typhoons Sendong and
Pablo inflicted horrific damage – the loss of lives, the destruction of properties,
the dislocation of thousands of families, the radical disruption of human life and
livelihood, and the severe trauma of survivors. We must listen to expert environmentalists
who declare that much of these natural disasters are due to the destruction of our
natural resources, our forests and rivers, as a result of unabated logging and mining.
These must lead us to examine and question the sincerity, quality and effectiveness
of the governance of our leaders.
But this is only one in a long litany of
storms, not necessarily natural. We can include:
the promotion
of a culture of death and promiscuity. This is due to the slavishness of our political
and business leaders to follow practices in Western countries that promote, in spite
of examples that we clearly see in the West,
divorce, resulting
in more break-up of families and the dysfunctional growth of children, contraceptives,
leading to more abortions, the use of condom, aggravating HIV-AIDSinfection,
and school sex education, bringing more promiscuity and teenage pregnancy.
the continuing corruption and abuse of power by public officials
due to lack of information, or still worse, the possible hiding of information from
the public. It is ironic that the government that prides itself of treading the daang
matuwid fears the Right of Information (FOI) bill because of possible discovery
of wrongdoing by public officials. Why are they afraid to entrust the citizens with
the truth of their governance?
the widening practice
of political dynasties. As monopolies in business, monopolies in politics limit
the entry that can bring in new ideas and offer better services. Political dynasties
breed corruption and ineptitude. We are aggrieved that lawmakers themselves defy the
supreme law of the land by not following the mandate of our Philippine Constitution
given 26 years ago to make an enabling law to ban political dynasties.
the issues raised to the COMELEC on automated election concerns. Election
is not a matter of speed but of trustworthiness and honesty. If not properly addressed
the present automated election system can lead to wholesale cheating. The integrityof a pillar of our democracy – the election – is at stake.
the inability and unwillingness of those in power to take the road
of social justice. This has resulted in failure to share the resources in the
country to meet basic rights of the poor, such as secure jobs, decent housing, adequate
medicine, ownership of lands that they till, and quality education. New “rights” are
being pushed while the most basic rights are being ignored!
the
deepening of the culture of impunity. Extrajudicial killings, unsolved crimes
and kidnappings continue and the government is not able or lacks the political will
to prosecute the perpetrators and touch powerful people.
the
unabated suffering of the poor in spite of bright economic ratings. Growth itself,
that is, more products and more money, should not be the sole aim of development but
also equity. The huge gap between the rich and the poor remains. There is little inclusive
growth!
We note the above social and political storms that buffet
our Filipino life because they deeply touch the experiences of our people. We speak
for those who suffer. We bring these concerns to those who have responsibility and
hence accountability. These stormy situations need not be so!
The Position
of the Church
Our position on the above issues is based on our faith,
a faith that is integral, a faith that surrenders to God in the intimacy of obedience
and love. Faith is not only concerned with doctrine but applies that belief in all
dimensions of life – social, political, economic, cultural, and religious.
Such belief is synthesized in the social doctrine of the Church
Catholic moral
and social teachings declare:
1. “Human life must be respected and protected
absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence a
human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person – among which is the
inviolable right of every innocent being to life” (Catechism of the Catholic Church
or CCC, no. 2270). The use of artificial means to prevent human life from
being conceived is evil (CCC, no. 2370). Sexual acts are forbidden outside
of marriage (CCC, nos. 2390-91).
Therefore, we denounce
the passage of the Reproductive Health Law, the political and financial pressures
imposed on lawmakers, and the imperialism exercised by secularistic international
organizations in the legislative process.
We admire
and commend the valiant efforts of lay people and lawgivers to prevent the passage
of the law.
We support the efforts of our lay people
in challenging the RH Law in the Supreme Court and in other venues within the bounds
of our democratic system.
We support and encourage
the participation of the laity in electing competent and morally upright candidates
who are faithful to their correct and informed conscience.
We
shall be vigilant and act against moves that will be destructive of family and life.
2.
Political corruption is one of the most serious deformities of the democratic system
because it rejects moral norms and undermines social justice, which is the justice
of the common good (see Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church or
CSDC, no. 411). Freedom of information promotes integrity, transparency, and
accountability in the political order (see CSDC, nos. 414 – 416).
Therefore, we denounce the non-prosecution of alleged perpetrators of
corruption and strongly call upon the government to pursue allegations and signs of
corruption of power holders not only of the past but also of the present, even of
friends and party mates.
We likewise call upon government
to give due priority to the passing of the Freedom of Information Bill at the soonest
possible time.
3. Political authority exists for the common good.
It is not to be exercised for the sake of private and family interests or simply for
the interests of a political party. When political authority is exercised merely for
these narrow interests, it betrays the reason for its existence. Moreover, such situation
breeds corruption and inhibits general access to political power which is a fundamental
mark of democracy (see Gaudium et Spes or GS, no. 74; CSDC, e.g.,
nos. 393, 407, 410).
Therefore, we denounce the continued existence
of family political dynasties and the continuing delay of passing a law to implement
the constitutional provision banning political dynasties.
4. “Every
citizen ought to be mindful of his right and duty to promote the common good by using
his vote” (GS, no. 75). Such right and duty would be denied if obstructions
are put in place to prevent its free and responsible exercise, such as dishonesty
in elections.
Therefore, we call upon COMELEC to adequately
address the issues and respond, place corrective measures if necessary, to the studies
of technical experts to the alleged deficiencies of the present system and technology
of automated elections. There can be no transparency in elections if the COMELEC itself
is not transparent.
5. Love of the poor who in the Gospel reflect
Christ himself impels us to work for justice for the poor (see CCC, e.g., nos.
2447-48; CSDC, no. 184). This requires promotion of social justice, not by
targeting the reduction of the number of poor people.
Therefore,
as Church of the Poor we direct our social action services towards the development
of the poor.
We shall provide moral guidance to the
better off in our society to be in active solidarity with the poor.
We call upon the government to be serious in implementing the asset reform
laws that are in place in order to bring social justice such as CARPER for the farmers,
UDHA for the urban poor, IPRA for the indigenous people and the FISHERIES CODE for
the fisher folks. The end of CARPER is only 1½ years away and agrarian reform accomplishment
is dismal, being bogged down by bureaucracy, legal technicalities and poor governance.
Consistently
Proclaiming the Truth
As pastors we heed the urgent appeal of St. Paul:
“Proclaim
the message: be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince,
rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming
when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will
accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from
listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, always be sober, endure
suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully” (2Tim 4:2-5).
We
remind all the faithful that what is popular is not necessarily what is right. What
is legal is not necessarily moral.
Each has to follow his/her conscience. But
“conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened. A well-formed conscience
is upright and truthful. It formulates its judgments according to reason, in conformity
with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator.” (CCC, no, 1783).
Faith
and Hope amidst the Storms
In the midst of the country’s natural and social
upheavals, we see ourselves in the boat with the Apostles buffeted by stormy waves.
We are tossed about by the waves created by the secularist spirit, which continues
to reduce the role and place of religious faith in the public sphere. Our cherished
moral and spiritual values are at grave risk. We are overcome with fear and anxiety,
perhaps also wondering if the Lord has fallen asleep, or if the Lord does not care
that we are drowning (cf. Mk. 4:38).
We have to hear once again the Lord’s
words: “Quiet! Be still!” (Mk. 4:39). He rebukes the winds and the storm ceases. He
is the Lord who has power over sea and sky. He has power over dark spirits. It is
He who poses the question to us: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
(Mk. 4:40).
This is the Year of Faith. Pope Benedict XVI challenges us to respond
with faith to the events around us. With our eyes fixed on Jesus (cf. Mt. 14:27-31),
we will not drown but even launch deep into the risky waters of modernity. We should
not be afraid. Our values are those of Jesus, of His Gospel, and of the Kingdom of
God.
In spite of the storms we know that the kingdom of God is already among
us. The Divine Spirit continues to blow, also in our time. With the eyes of faith
we thank and praise the Lord:
for the growing consciousness among many
of the lay faithful that they have to take seriously their political duties. We commend
and support lay initiatives to form circles of discernment to choose worthy candidates
and even to run as candidates in order to bring values of God’s kingdom in the public
discourse. We will help the people to know the stance of those who run for office
on important issues of the country.
for the many programs
that promote the Natural Family Planning methods. We commit ourselves to promote these
programs in our local churches and to teach our people Christian values on family,
marriage and the Gospel of Life.
for efforts among the
young to live chastely even in a world that does not value the sacredness of sex.
We commend such movements as TRUE LOVE WAITS, LIVE PURE and similar initiatives of
education to chastity. Indeed, purity attracts!
for
the courage and steadfastness of many lawgivers to resist political and monetary pressures.
For those who have other opinions, we seek to understand them with patience and charity.
for the effort and bold steps taken by the government in pursuing peace
in the country. It is our hope that these peace initiatives will be matched by equally
bold steps to bring about justice, for peace is the fruit of justice.
for the great clamor among the people to do away with political dynasties.
If congress is unwilling to act on this we support initiatives by the lay faithful
to pass an enabling law against political dynasties through the people’s initiative
which the Constitution provides.
With Jesus in the Ark of Peter we
always have hope. But with faith and hope, we must have love. Buffeted by the same
stormy winds are the poor with their many faces. Our pastoral statement addresses
the political and social issues that bring them deeper into helplessness and hopelessness.
We must voice out their concerns, be their moral guide, be with them – the unborn
and “little ones,” the young, the women, the farmers, the indigenous peoples, the
slum dwellers, the workers, the fisher folks, the migrants. Our love has to bring
them the Good News – the Gospel – with all its social, political and ethical implications.
We
entrust the mission of the Church in these troubled times under the protection and
guidance of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Life and Mother of the Poor. Mother
Mary, pray for your children in your beloved Philippines.
For the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines:
+ JOSE S. PALMA, D.D. Archbishop
of Cebu & President, CBCP January 28, 2013