By Mela Lesmoras
As the entire Christian world observes Holy Week amid the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday called on the public to pray, reflect, and stay safe.
During his Tuesday press briefing, Secretary Roque said the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a reminder to everyone that amid all the challenges that we are facing as a nation, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
“Pinako ang ating Panginoon dahil po sa ating mga kasalanan pero dumating din po ang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay. Hihintayin po natin ang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay rito sa pandemyang COVID-19 (Our Lord was crucified because of our sins but Easter came afterwards. We will be waiting for Easter in this COVID-19 pandemic),” he encouraged.
The Palace spokesman also said earlier he is certain that everything happens for a reason, as God is always in control.
“Ang tanong po ng marami: Bakit kaya pinayagan ng Panginoon itong pandemyang ito? Gamitin po natin itong ECQ at itong Semana Santa para bumalik tayo sa ating pananampalataya at tanggapin that ‘thy will be done’.Mahal tayo ng Panginoon at may dahilan po itong lahat na ito (Many are asking: Why did the Lord allow this pandemic to happen? Let us use this ECQ and the Holy Week to go back to our faith and accept ‘thy will be done’. The Lord loves us and there is a reason for all this),” Sec. Roque enjoined during his special briefing last Saturday.
With the stringent health protocols imposed on the entire nation, the Filipino faithful are encouraged to stay inside their homes this Holy week, most especially in the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, collectively known as NCR Plus, which are under the strictest Enhanced Community Quarantine effective until Easter Sunday, subject to further review.
