Bishops to lead national day of mourning

Because the country is in need of divine intervention to save it from its political and economic woes, Catholic bishops will lead a national day of mourning on June 11 to seek God’s grace.

"In light of this economic deprivation, what seems to be the answer of government is to allow these ongoing political repression, assassinations and violations of human rights to be perpetuated," Infanta Bishop Emeritus Julio Javier Labayen said yesterday in a press conference on the campus of the University of Sto. Tomas in Manila.

"There is much reason to mourn (rather) than celebrate and we call on the people to join us in solemn prayer to mourn the present state of our economic and political life as a free nation," Labayen said.

Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez asked the people to wear black pins, ribbons or shirts in preparation for the national day of mourning, which will begin at 2 p.m. at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.

"We are not calling for (President Arroyo’s) ouster," Iñiguez said. "We are just making a call to avert the situation that is now prevalent in the country and for the government to take the proper steps."

He told the media that the national day of mourning aims to show the President what plagues the country and offer her a set of possible solutions.

Iñiguez earlier warned that a people power scenario may trigger Mrs. Arroyo’s ouster if she fails to heed the calls for changes in her economic policy.

He said the national day of mourning is also supported by Bishops Antonio Tobias of Novaliches, Leo Drona of San Pablo and Vicente Navarra of Bacolod, as well as the Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME).

He also said he had the chance to speak with the President via cellular phone last month. During that conversation, he said he asked Mrs. Arroyo to consider the possible economic solutions as formulated by the KME.

"If the President can really see the ills of the economy, then we can call the economists to analyze it and propose solutions," he said. "If the solution is agreed upon, we will be together in the effort to realize that solution." Iñiguez also hopes KME will "unite with other groups who also share our view. We live in a democratic country."

KME chairman Jimmy Realario said they are presenting the President with a solution that seeks to change the system.

"We are presenting a tit-for-tat explanation on why we want not only a change in the administration but also a change in the system," he said.