Prayers for GMA

CATCH-22 is an idiomatic term describing a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem.

The term is supposed to have originated from the US Air Force regulation. “A man is considered insane if he willingly continues to fly dangerous combat missions, but that if he makes the necessary formal request to be relived of such missions, the very act of making the request proves that he is sane and therefore ineligible to be relieved.”

It is in this context that former President Arroyo finds herself in Catch 22.

Each time she demonstrates signs of good health, the government threatens to send her to a regular jail (selda).

If she feigns sickness that necessitates a humane arrest, say, house confinement, she is told that she is better off in her detention inside the Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Whether she appears sick or healthy there is no way out for our Kapampangan icon.

Only last week, for instance, after she requested the privilege to play golf (her sports) at the Veteran Memorial golf course the Comelec chairman reacted by suggesting GMA be sent to jail already. The reason was that if she is well enough and healthy to play golf, then her hospital confinement is no longer necessary.

*****

The power of collective prayer has never been more manifest lately than in the speedy recuperation of Rev. Fr. Deo Kerr Galang and comedy icon Dolphy whose condition has now slightly improved. Given up for lost after a massive stroke, Fr. Deo, the other tandem in the famous “Men of Light” televangelists (the other is Bishop Ambo) was reportedly saved by Pampanga’s prayer brigades who stormed heaven’s gate for his continued life. So are Dolphy’s admiring throngs who have been praying for his recovery and whose positive signs were gratefully acknowledged by his family.

Now here’s a revealing statement from Sen. Panfilo Lacson, a close supporter of the Aquino administration: “My fearless forecast is this – Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be convicted but I will not tell you in what case. That’s my prediction.”

Recipients of favors and riches from the former President should lead other grateful Pampangos in a monthly prayer vigil, preferably at the Guiao Convention Center. The Pampanga Mayors League who fawned at Mrs. Arroyo, whose officers and its members ingratiated to GMA to win to win her favor should initiate a monthly prayer event. They should pray foremost to prevent her long-term conviction. They can offer prayers for their generous protector and benefactor, that at least she can endure with strength and grace her continued hospital arrest within P-Noy’s term till 2016.

Mrs. Arroyo is facing the non-bailable offense of electoral sabotage. Precisely it was her continued Presidency that had seen a near-miraculous transformation of Pampanga to a highly progressive and developed province.

If PGMA had committed offenses to stay in Malacañang, certainly one of the biggest recipients of government favor was Pampanga.

I will name only two: Clark and SCTEx.

Kuya Jerry (Pelayo) of Candaba, the most influential male politician who enjoyed her bountiful blessings, should lead the prayer crusade. As with Fr. Deo or Dolphy (as of today) a people’s supplication for PGMA’s good health and early freedom may work wonders.

Cardinal Ratziner (now Pope Benedict XVI) puts it: There is no immutable destiny, that faith and prayer are forces which can influence history.”

I hope future congressman Jerry can fill up the Conventional Hall with sympathetic cabalen who believe in the power of collective prayers - specifically the hundreds who personally profited from the Arroyo administration.

I am sure Apu Ceto (the Archbishop) can gladly preside over the celebration. An agape (merienda) may be sponsored by Nanay Baby (Gov. Pineda) as a non-political agenda unite Pampangos through prayers.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let us not act the way of poltroons in this endeavor. Be not afraid of President Noy. He would understand. Her late mother prayed real hard for Ninoy during his travails.