Phl moving forward in era of daylight – Noy

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino wishes his “bosses” – the Filipino people – a Happy Easter today, saying the Philippines itself is experiencing a resurrection after years of irregularities that caused hopelessness among the people.

Aquino said the Philippines is moving “forward in this era of daylight, guided by our people’s resourcefulness and hard work,” noting that “our journey toward national renewal has gained significant momentum.”

This was his message to an association of dentists providing free services and scholarships to deserving students as he cited the importance of helping one another for the betterment of the country.

In his Easter message, the President said he was one with Filipinos in celebrating Jesus Christ’s rising from the dead after offering His life to save humanity.

Christ’s resurrection mirrors the hope held by every Filipino after falling down a number of times into the Calvary of corruption and irregularities.

“And everyone with a clear mind can see that, like Christ’s resurrection, the Philippines is rising again,” Aquino said in Filipino.

“There is no doubt that by being on the right side and showing concern for others, we follow in the steps of Christ. Now that the focus of the government is no longer on selfishness but on the welfare of the people, we have saved the country from certain running aground and we can now reach for our many successes,” Aquino said.

The President called on the people to emulate Christ and continue to work for other people’s welfare.

Vice President Jejomar Binay echoed Aquino’s message that Easter symbolizes new life and new hope.

“This gives us hope that hardships will eventually give way to a better life,” Binay said.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said the week-long commemoration of Christ’s passion was also an opportunity to take time off for self-assessment toward the highlight of the season that is Easter.

“We all know that dreams are within reach if we have the unity and mindset to see them through, as well as the willingness to take the responsibilities, sacrifices and setbacks that may sometimes pave its path,” Belmonte said.

For his part, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle yesterday urged Filipino Catholics to allow God to infuse them with “fresh life.”

In his Easter Message, Tagle mentioned the many “tombs” faced by man such as hunger, unemployment, homelessness, violence, discrimination, injustice and corruption.

“There will never be any true resurrection from our individual, familial, societal and environmental ‘tombs’ if we do not allow God to act. Make room for God. He will raise us to true life with Jesus!” Tagle said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches national director Bishop Efraim Tendero said Jesus Christ’s resurrection “is the greatest power made available to mankind” and that if He was able to overcome the dominion of death and darkness, He will be able to help us overcome whatever adversities and problems we may encounter.”

Tendero said the country will be more blessed if Filipinos will put Christ at the center of their lives. – With Paolo Romero, Marvin Sy, Evelyn Macairan