Like a triumphant messenger of God, Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff, came, saw and conquered the hearts of all Filipinos.
This was a nation that heard simple words straight from the heart of a simple man, in a journey of mercy and compassion.
It was such a phenomenal display of faith with millions lining up the streets where the Holy Father passed. Many more gathered to hear his messages of love for our fellowmen, which paves the way for communion, solidarity and peace.
While the lessons learned from the Holy Father have been etched in the hearts of men and women, especially the youth, it would have resonated especially with people in government, particularly with President Aquino. This is his last chance to provide us the “change” he promised us when he assumed office. Alas, change has remained elusive, 18 months to go before he steps down.
Pope Francis’ journey of mercy and compassion had its highlight during his visit to Tacloban City. He saw how the people were devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.
The Holy Father’s journey of mercy and compassion was particularly directed to government. It must do what must be doe for the poor.
Santa Banana, if we consider the fact that each household has at least five members, that would Constitute the bulk of our more than 100 million population.
The President bungled it all with a display of lack humility. He was like a spoiled brat complaining to his guest about the Philippine clergy criticizing him while being silent on the alleged abuses of the Arroyo administration which he said he was still rectifying.
The President may have his own opinion – he is certainly entitled to it – but that was hardly the time and place to communicate that. Obviously, he did not take lessons in good manners and right conduct. What immaturity and arrogance!
Whether or not the lessons learned from the Pope’s messages to the Filipinos resonated especially with government leaders will be seen in the coming days. This should begin with how the Aquino administration is proceeding to help the Yolanda survivors who are still living in tents or makeshift shelters.
President Aquino’s concern for the poor and the jobless can also be shown in how he deals with corruption among his allies and supporters, principally among some of his Cabinet members. Corruption, as the Holy Father stated, deprives the poor of the resources needed to make their lives less miserable. Poverty and joblessness are still the most pressing problems of government.
A national broadsheet in glaring headline said that the Pope’s visit was a “miracle.” Yes, I agree it was a miracle for Filipinos who are sincerely trying to help.
For others, it was just lip service.
***
A foreign correspondent covering the event could only say “I was stunned with the reception of the Pope.” It was obviously an experience he never had before.
True enough, as the late Filipino Jesuit scholar and nationalist, Fr. Horacio dela Costa, wrote, “there are two things that you cannot get out from the Filipino, his music and faith.” How true.
Closer to home, while my wife and I at our age (I am 87 years old) did not dare or did not have the courage and stamina to line the streets along the route of the “popemobile,” we saw everything however on television. We felt the grace of God nonetheless.
It was the same feeling I had when in 1970, when Pope Paul VI came to the Philippines and celebrated the Holy Mass at the Quezon City Memorial Circle. I was one of those lucky 30 chosen to represent media and received Holy Communion from the late Blessed Pope Paul VI, who will certainly be a saint.
Santa Banana, my whole family and I had to walk all the way from our former Philamlife house to the Quezon City Memorial Circle. It was a kilometers-long walk since the place was already overcrowded for the occasion.
***
On a mundane subject, I was glad the SM group finally obtained legal clearance from the Court of Appeals to pursue the expansion of a shopping complex in Baguio City. This has become an issue and a hotly debated project since it involved tree-cutting and earth-balling of pine trees close to the hearts of Baguio people.
The Court of Appeals affirmed an early ruling of the RTC or Regional Trial Court. The appellate court’s decision dated December 15, 2014 dismissed the environmental cases against SM and lifted the TEPO, or Temporary Environment Protection Order to pave the way for SM to pursue its Sky Park Project.
I am particularly glad since I supported SM all the way when the Cordillera Global Network and a number of self-styled environmentalists wanted regulators to revoke the permits that SM got to undertake tree-cutting and earth balling activities in the area.
SM got permits from the Baguio City government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Environmental Management Bureau, the DENR-Cordillera Administrative Region and the Department of Public Works and Highways as required by law.
In fact, when I went to Baguio in the wake of the controversy, I saw it all including the tree-cutting and earth balling, in front of all the regulators. That’s why I concluded that what SM was doing was in accordance to law.
***
Makati Mayor Jun-Jun Binay wrote me to thank me for my support for his project to ferry, at no cost, all employes working at Makati City Hall from Trinoma to Ayala Avenue on board two buses and four coasters during working days.
The mayor also sought to clarify that the shuttle service is available to all commuters, not only City Hall workers to provide relief to those residing outside the city, but all working in Makati.
The objective is to spare MRT commuters from having to contend with long lines and congested MRT 3 coaches.
May I suggest that all Metro Manila mayors follow the example of Mayor Binay for the benefit of their constituents.