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Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Ledesma: Casting the first stone at people's initiative
By Jun Ledesma
Sunbursts
SORRY it is Lent. But there was something that happened late last week that stirs the sense and sensibilities. The Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines intruding into something that is strictly political. They assailed the "people's initiative" that would trigger the motion to change, revise or amend the Constitution.
CBCP does not want the irrelevant Cory Constitution changed adding that it is not the Charter that need changing but the ones running the government.
I agree that there's leadership problem, if what they meant is unpopularity.
But the Cory Constitution produced the biggest failures that we had had -- Cory and Erap.
If CBCP wants us to be strapped in banality and stagnancy then yes we reject all options to change. But we should not allow religious hubris to rule on the issue that concerns the state especially when its prejudice on the Arroyo government cannot be concealed by the frock.
People's initiative must not be deterred. It is a more sensible expression of people right. If it negates charter change then let it be respected. If the people favor charter change then they should not be held hostage by ministrations from the pulpit.
People initiative is a political exercise. If local leaders preach for or against it that is fair play. We cannot deter this by mounting a sermon in the mount. We cannot discredit this by importing shit from "hello Garci" controversy. We have to come out from this gridlock where the nation cannot move because we have a President that is shackled by a Senate that is so mighty and yet so inutile, a band of political opposition that does not mind having a pact with the rightist in the military, the communists and a civil society that is so consumed with the craving to get into power. The oddity of it all is that they dazzle us with their endless razzmatazz but fail to offer any viable alternative.
As to our bishops, it is better that they tend to the flock than dip their fingers in politics. The moral fabric of this nation has become too weak because those who are supposed to give us spiritual nourishment are moonlighting as politicians and into a lot of secular affairs.
Last Sunday was Palm Sunday. It reminds us of Jesus being welcomed by a throng of people shouting "hosanna" as he enters Jerusalem. It's the same throng of people who condemned Him to die in the cross. Lent also reminds us how Peter thrice deny Him, how Judas traded Him with 30 pieces of silver. Lent reminds us of man's innate weakness and vulnerabilities. Let's go over this biblical event again and do our own penance and act of forgiveness. Afterwards, we will see who will throw the first stone.
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (April 12, 2006 issue)
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