An alliance of various religious organizations, former government officials, and concerned citizens urged President Marcos to initiate a reconciliation meeting with former President Rodrigo Duterte and lead an interfaith prayer rally for national healing.
Calling themselves the Covenant for the Nation, the groups appealed for “sobriety and reconciliation amid deep concerns about the current political situation.”
“It is evident that the present political climate is causing significant divisiveness not only within the political arena but also among our fellow citizens. The repercussions of this discord are far-reaching with the potential to affect the very people we have sworn to serve,” the group said in an open letter.
Grepor Belgica, a former government official during the Duterte administration, said the group will initiate a National Prayer gathering that aims to “heal the wounds of our nation.”
“We hope President Marcos will accept this and lead the call to pray together and unite for our country,” Belgica said in a press briefing Tuesday.
The open letter was signed by Bishop Grepor Butch Belgica, Bishop Reuben Abante, lawyers Eduardo Bringas and Benedicto Jose, retired Brig Gen. Carlos Quita and former Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission head Fortunato Guerrero.
Duterte earlier accused Mr. Marcos of using illegal drugs, while his son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, called on the Chief Executive to resign.
The former President also floated the idea to separate Mindanao from the Philippines through a signature-based process following his opposition to amending the 1987 Charter.
He insisted there was nothing illegal with his proposal as secession does not mean going to war.
“[My proposal] is a legal process that will be brought to the United Nations [similar to that of] Timor Leste,” Duterte said.
President Marcos, for his part, expressed concern that Duterte’s use of fentanyl may have taken a toll on his health.
“I think it might be the fentanyl–it is highly addictive and it has serious side effects,” Mr. Marcos said.
“I hope his doctors take better care of these emerging issues and don’t neglect them,” the President added.
Meanwhile, a church-led group against Charter change urged the government to focus instead on working to eradicate corruption, protect the environment, break political dynasties, and ensure electoral integrity.
The Koalisyon Laban sa Cha-cha — convened by Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, Bishop Jonel Milan of the K4Philippines Intercessors Movement, and Senator Risa Hontiveros — insisted the current Constitution is robust.