|
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Church to pray for Arroyo; Rebels vent gov't overthrow anew
By Lizanilla J. Amarga
"KUMUSTA naman ka?"
THE media representative of the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was greeted with the words "Kumusta naman ka (How are you doing?)" when she arrived at the Archbishop's Palace Saturday.
Monsignor Elmer Abacahin quoted Arroyo as saying, "maayo man. Salamat sa Diyos...ga-ampo kanunay (I am fine. Thanks to God...I am still praying always)."
But while Arroyo and Archdiocese officials had an hour-long dialogue, National Democratic Front (NDF) Mindanao spokesman Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos Saturday called for the people to bring the Arroyo administration down.
Also, text messages containing how Arroyo would declare martial law this June 21 were circulated around Saturday.
Meanwhile, Archdiocese vicar general Monsignor Rey Monsanto, Abacahin, and Gingoog City parish priest Monsignor Tex Legitimas described Arroyo as "confident and relaxed" during their entire hour-long roundtable discussion at the Archbishop's Palace with the church officials led by Archbishop Jesus Tuquib.
Monsanto said he noticed how the president was very smiling and "very open" to answering their questions.
"We were concern considering particularly the tapes and jueteng scandals and destabilization moves against her administration," Abacahin said.
Legitimas for his part said was very "casual" during their talks.
He said Arroyo's visit with the Archdiocese officials yesterday was not so much as a surprise as it was her third time.
"When she was still senator and vice-president, she (Arroyo) visited us here at the Cathedral...it is good to see that she is still taking the time to go around and see the people herself," he said.
Legitimas recounted how even in the past he had the opportunity to give Arroyo a tour on some of the church's anti-poverty drive programs.
"But at this stage she needs more prayers...she herself said (during the discussion) that she needs prayers and guidance," he said.
Legitimas said even Archbishop Tuquib in response told the president: "We will pray for you."
But while Arroyo and the Archdiocese officials were having a discussion, Madlos called up Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) and urged people to overthrow the Arroyo government.
He said they have collected evidence from several parts in Mindanao proving indeed Arroyo cheated during the 2004 Presidential Election.
Madlos said the gloriagate tapes were clear collaborating evidence on her massive cheating.
"Klaro kaayo nga si Garcillano ug si Arroyo nagkonsabo...para namo authentic kadto nga tape (Clearly, Arroyo and Commission on Elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano were conspiring to rig the elections...for us the tapes are authentic)," he said.
Madlos said it is high time that Arroyo's government should be overthrown because of its anti-people policies and for having no clear mandate from the people.
He said he is amenable to any form of caretaker government as long as the different sectors would be well represented.
"Kinahanglan ma-papha na siya karon (Arroyo should be ousted now)," he said.
Also, text messages regarding how Arroyo would declare Martial Law on or before June 21 circulated yesterday.
It read: "Confirmed! Pls pass to as many people. GMA will declare Martial Law on or before June 21. Mendoza and Berroya two command SOT's. 500 Bushmasters automatic weapon has already arrived."
(June 19, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
|
