Action, prayer can silence mounting political noise in the Philippines

Peaceful human resolve and constant prayer could address the escalating political squabble besetting the country today, a Filipino priest told RVA at the sidelines of the Word Conference in Manila on November 30.

Aside from the impact of the recent natural calamities that struck the country, the Philippines was facing alarming challenges today, particularly the mounting spat between its top leaders, observed Rev. Fr. Emil Valeza, Archdiocese of Caceres.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, who campaigned together during the 2022 elections as a team, are now on opposing sides over alleged corruption and death threats that could lead to disrupt the country’s governance and public unrest.

“The current political noise can be silenced through prayer,” Valeza said in Taglish, noting that “the most important and highest form of prayer is no other than the Holy Eucharist.”

Aside from prayer, the people could do other things to help address the issues that the country faces today, he added.

“But we should not underestimate the power of prayer,” Valeza said. “Our hopes will be realized through our prayers. And our constant prayers will be rewarded, especially through the Holy Eucharist.” 

In recent years, the church has been demonized by some political supporters for standing and speaking out the truth. 

Bro. Jesus N. Matias, a Capuchin brother, believed the church should not fight these elements tooth for tooth, but take it as a challenge to improve itself.

“If you are a Catholic, you have to be better informed,” Matias said at the sidelines of the conference. “You will be able to make a better decision on whom to elect.” 

Experts believed the results of the 2016 and 2022 Philippine elections were influenced by disinformation that demonized the church and glorified corrupt politicians.

“If your decision to elect a candidate is based on your own understanding, I think you will be better equipped if you have resources from the church to make a more informed and conscientious decision,” Matias said. 

I think we should not be intimidated by being demonized as a church, Matias said. “We should be disturbed by it in a way, but I think it should be more of a challenge and motivate us to do better.” 

The conference was a closing activity for the Year of Prayer 2022 as the Year of Hope 2025 approaches, Valeza explained.

“One of the goals of the Year of Prayer 2024 that Pope Francis wished to achieve is that people would return to praying again,” he said.

In essence, it's “going back to the very basis of our Christian faith,” because “we draw our strength through our connection with God.” 

The conference was also an invitation to the people to leaf through the pages of the Scriptures again, Matias said.