VICE President Sara Duterte urges Filipinos to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and strengthen their faith amid personal and national challenges.
Duterte emphasized that Filipinos should deepen their faith in God, especially during times of weakness, hopelessness, and overwhelming challenges and hatred. She stressed that now, as the country is experiencing difficulties and is on the verge of disunity, the public should give priority to unity.
“Habang dumaranas ang bayan ng matinding pagsubok at lalong lumalalim ang pagkawatak-watak, ang Kuwaresma ay paanyaya para sa panahon ng paghilom, pagbabalik-loob, at pagbabalik-tanaw sa mga pinahahalagahan nating Pilipino: malasakit, pananampalataya, at pagkakaisa,” she said on April 14, 2025.
(As the nation faces great trials and increasing division, Lent is an invitation to a time of healing, conversion, and reflection on the values we Filipinos hold dear: compassion, faith, and unity).
She added that the public should emulate Jesus Christ’s love for the people — spreading it to others and using it to strengthen the community's faith and commitment to service.
Duterte also said she joins the Filipino people in prayer, fasting, and opening their hearts this Holy Week. She emphasized that the observance of Holy Week is a meaningful opportunity to reflect on Christ’s offering of His life to save humanity from sin.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Sunday that as Filipinos observe Holy Week 2025, they should remain resilient and optimistic despite the challenges they are facing — just like Jesus.
“Like Christ, may we remain resilient and optimistic in life, despite all the challenges that come our way. May all the adversities that we face shape us into better persons, capable of understanding and charity towards our brethren,” he said in a statement.
Marcos called on Filipinos to reflect on God’s example of compassion and self-giving, especially during the remembrance of Jesus’s passion, death, and resurrection. He said the people are comforted by the triumph of Easter, which reveals the success of God’s sacrifice. He expressed hope that this will inspire Filipinos to persevere through hardships and serve as encouragement for all.RGP