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Friday, September 23, 2005
Cardinal: Military promised to stay away from politics
Politicians should search for solutions to poverty instead of focusing on politicking and self-interests, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.
“They are (members of) the law-making body. They should know what the people need the most since they are entrusted with that authority,” Vidal said.
The cardinal officiated a mass yesterday morning during the feast of Sto. Tomas de Villanueva in Pardo, Cebu City.
He also said he pities President Arroyo because of the controversies hounding her administration, but he is not against peaceful protest actions.
The military also promised bishops that they will stay away from politics, Vidal said.
Declaration
During their general assembly last July and after releasing their official stand on the impeachment complaints against the President, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines received a written declaration from the Armed Forces of the Philippines that they will not go up in arms against the government.
Vidal hopes the military will stick to their word and not give in to the pressure of those who wish to topple the Arroyo government.
Differences
He also said that despite the differences of our political leaders, he hopes they do not forget to serve the people who voted for them.
“I hope their minds are always for the common good, especially for the needy people,” Vidal said.
The cardinal declined to name those who misuse public funds because they might accuse him of meddling in political affairs.
“It would not be a new thing for me if they accuse the church of something every time I make a statement. They (politicians) have always something to say against the church. I just let them be,” he said.
He encouraged different parishes to put up ecclesiastical communities so that people will know that the church is always there to help them in their needs. (LLV)
(September 23, 2005 issue)
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