Philippine bishops appeal country's leaders to serve people better

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) asked leaders in a pastoral letter on Feb. 2 to perform their sworn duties for the people.

"We call upon all leaders, as we fervently remind ourselves, to breathe the spirit of sincerity of God-directed service, breathe transparency and accountability,” the bishops said in the pastoral letter calling on faithful to a pilgrimage of hope in Jubilee 2025.

Filipinos are marching toward the midterm elections in May 2025 while the country is torn into divisions due to the power struggle between two of its major political groups.

The bishops have also invited people in different sectors to elect competent and honest leaders, and to do their share in rebuilding the society. 

“We call upon our dear faithful, in government, in business, in public or religious communities, to harness a tempest of change by a sincere witness to our Christian values and fidelity to conscience,” the conference said. “May we safeguard our dignity and our future by not selling them to the highest bidder.”

The bishops saw the massive power of the youth for change if they pool their small contributions together.

“We call upon our young people, to share your single feather to become your wings for a better world,” the conference said. “Stand up for change and responsible leadership for the present and future of our country.”

In the face of one of the darkest moments in the country’s history due to power struggle, corruption, abuses, and poverty, the bishops reminded the nation of the power of hope. 

“Hopelessness can lead to despair,” the conference said.  “Yet to hope is not to be overcome by fear and despair. Hopelessness can paralyze and enslave us. Yet hope gives us courage and freedom. We pray for courage, so that we may always freely stand up for truth, and uphold the good and the rule of law, as we protect democratic institutions and processes.”

The bishops also reminded the people that as employers, they must demand accountability from the leaders who are their employees in a social contract.

“Let us hold power to accountability,” the conference said. “Let us continue to build on what we have accomplished. May we have the courage and perseverance to walk the path of conversion to change for the better, and relentlessly pursue the good of all, over personal interests.” 

The bishops also lamented over destructive natural calamities due “substandard and underfunded structures.” 

“Private interests are protected over the common good and the welfare of the marginalized, including the indigenous peoples and poor communities,” the conference said.

The bishops saw the exacerbating poverty as reflected by the spike in unemployment and expressed concern over the West Philippine Sea issue.

Philippine government boats and Filipino fishermen were bullied by Chinese vessels in the past years due to Beijing’s sweeping nine-dash line maritime claims.

“In the area of security and international concerns, we witness how our sovereignty and national security are constantly threatened,” the conference said.

“In the field of communications, falsehood, misinformation, and disinformation are weaponized against the truth,” the conference said.

The bishops also reminded the people to not give up on the people in the margins of society.

“May we never tire of caring for the most vulnerable members of our society: specifically the unborn and the children, the elderly and the sick, the poor and the marginalized, the weak, the voiceless and powerless,” the conference said. “May we not give up on one another and our country, for God does not give up on us.”

Here is the link to the pastoral letter: CBCP Pastoral Letter