By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday urged leaders of the government to focus on leading and serving Filipinos amid escalating political tensions between President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
In separate statements, Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos, and Bishop Oscar Florencio of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines asked the country’s leaders not to dwell on their political differences but to work for the welfare of the citizenry.
“Set aside politics. Let them focus on the office the people have elected them. Use the resources of our country to help the poor,” the Mindanao prelate said.
Santos also called on the country’s esteemed leaders “to set aside their differences and work towards a common goal of peace and prosperity for all Filipinos.”
“All I can say is that let us maintain our composure even if things are not doing well. Let us join our hands and energies together by not succumbing to the present turn of events,” Florencio said.
Santos said he is ready to help both camps mend their differences.
“The Church stands ready to offer its support and facilitate a dialogue that can help bridge the gap between our leaders,” the Antipolo prelate added.
Over the weekend, Duterte disclosed in an online press briefing that she has hired a hitman to kill the President, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, if she is assassinated.
The Chief Executive, meanwhile, fired back at Duterte, expressing alarm over her threats against him.
Duterte’s remarks triggered massive condemnation and prompted law enforcement agencies to investigate and move to ensure the safety of the President.