In his first public statement at the reception for him in Malacanang on Friday, January 16, the Pope said the Philippines, like its Asian neighbors, “faces the challenge of building on solid foundations a modern society – a society respectful of authentic human values, protective of our God- given human dignity and rights, and ready to confront new and complex political and ethical questions.”
“As many voices in your nation have pointed out, it is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good” so they can help preserve the country’s rich human and natural resources and “marshall the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present, and to pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace.”
“Essential to the attainment of these national goals is the moral imperative of ensuring social justice and respect for human dignity,” he said.
The Pope ended his speech by saying “I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities.”
While the MILF has signed a peace agreement with the MILF, the National Democratic Front (NDF) which has its largest camps and number of guerrillas in Mindanao, is awaiting resumption of the peace talks with the Aquino administration which has only 17 months left to the end of its term on June 30, 2016.
Renewed interest for peace
In a statement on January 15, Jorge Madlos, NDF-Mindanao spokesperson, expressed hope that the Pope’s presence could encourage Filipinos to imbibe a “renewed interest in pursuing a peaceful resolution to the current armed conflict, particularly in pushing for the resumption of the peace talks” between GPH and the NDF.
He expressed hope the Pope would listen to the cry of millions of survivors of typhoon Yolanda “who continue to wait for the immediate delivery of social services and rehabilitation” allegedly due to government neglect.
Madlos envisions the Papal visit would inspire Filipinos “to take the fight against human rights violations further.
