Religious leaders in politics

RAIN OF FIRE
Cesar G. Bonilla

LAOAG CITY – The inter-faith rally in this sunshine city led by the powerful Roman Catholic Church on the occasion of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno’s visit, another rumored vice-presidential bet, directly conveyed a message that Church leaders are up against charter change (Cha-cha.)

We must respect the constitution if we are truly law-abiding citizens. We can’t expect ordinary citizens to follow the laws of the land if the people in government show disrespect to the Constitution.
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Why is it that some religious leaders are very much eager to run in the next national elections even though the 1987 Constitution explicitly defined the boundary between the Church and the State?

The reason behind is obviously not for their own personal ambition or political grandeur but the miserable condition of our country that only a devoted man of God can help change like Moses, Noah, or even Jonas whose mission on earth was peaceful deliverance of the oppressed people from the hands of the devil.

I cannot blame priest-turned Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio for running in the 2010 presidential derby for he must be thinking of alternatives to alleviate the pain and agony of the poor. This is a divine right I suppose.

If Panlilio will run to the extent of abandoning completely his vocation or calling as a priest, here comes a precedent on the part of other sects and denominations that they are also capable of leading the country into a brighter future just like the Roman Catholic priest. Our nation is divided. Our politicians should concentrate in public service than disservice to their constituents. Public service is a public trust.

The idol of the masses, the late President Ramon Magsaysay, was a leader with impeccable honesty and integrity. Even his own family and relatives were not given political accommodations not recipients of lucrative positions being dispensed with by the Office of the President.

They did not meddle in political affairs for Magsaysay possessed "delicadeza" that requires ethical assimilation of noble philosophy in public service by prohibiting family members and close relatives from enriching themselves while Magsaysay was the top man in Malacanang. Magsaysay is the rare breed of politician just like the late US President Abraham Lincoln who had sterling principles.
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Prayer can move mountains. It is true that no one is destined to live forever in the world but we are praying for someone because the future of our country depends on her leadership.

At this crucial moment of our history, the presence of former President Aquino in anti-Cha-cha rallies can give much inspiration to those who still believe in her wisdom to defend and protect the 1987 Constitution of whom she spearheaded to give legitimacy and stability to a government which is a by-product of the so called, people uprising.
The cancer-stricken former President needs prayers and petitions for immediate recovery.
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May the last State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo provide us with courage and determination to persevere and help the government machinery extend assistance to marginalized sectors to cope with the economic crisis.

We recognize the caliber of GMA as an economist and top public official of the land. The greatest achievement perhaps of the president is when she would able to lay down a strong foundation for a peaceful and honest election in 2010 wherein her successor to the presidency would be chosen by majority of the electorate.

This can be the best gift to the cancer-stricken former President Corazon Aquino whose legacy of love and devotion to democratic governance inspired other leaders to follow the noble examples of the well-acclaimed widow of the freedom fighter lawmaker, the late Sen. Benigno Aquino.

A leader is answerable to his own people, to his Creator, and to his own conscience. No one is indispensable in this world. The time of reckoning has come for the administration and it better act well and fast or go down the dustbin of history.
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I would like to greet Jovelyn Caraang Galapia, a relative of mine, Happy Birthday. May the Lord God continue to give abundant blessings to her family. Jovelyn is an epitome of an Ilocana. She still treasures values and traditions of our forebears despite the fact that she is now residing with her parents in Hawaii.

Another charming Ilocana from Barangay Calayab,Laoag who is also on vacation after a long sojourn in Hawaii is Fredalyn Buyat,the owner of Frexon's Restaurant. I had a chance to exchange pleasantries with them inside the law office of one of the best
legal minds in the province, the humble yet brilliant lawyer Gemmo Guillermo.

Fradalyn's companion at that time was the owner of Sun Valley Beach Resort, Georgina Mohammed. Both of are members of the D'sierto Beach Owners Association. I met several people in different occasions but truly, there are individuals who can
Make one feel the essence of friendship even on first interaction. Kindness and respectable attitude are truly uplifting.