“Aside from spiritual guidance and inspiration, the Pope’s visit provides the Filipino people a stark reminder of Pres. Aquino’s insincerity and arrogance, especially during times of crisis and calamity.”
This was the statement of Migrante International chairperson Garry Martinez on the fourth day of the Papal Visit in the Philippines.
In his homily in Tacloban, Pope Francis said that when he saw the devastation of supertyphoon Yolanda, his first wish was to be with the Filipino people. “In times of grave calamity and devastation, this is what is expected from a leader. Our people expected comfort and commiseration from the President and received none.”
“We cannot recall a time when the President has been anything but defensive, arrogant and unrepentant. Instead of taking accountability for his government’s corruption and anti-poor policies, he is always ready to either blame others or point the finger at his critics. His shameful speech in Malacanang attests to the fact that he has no mercy and compassion for poor Filipinos. We sincerely pray that the Pope’s visit presents this contrast, and urges the Filipino people to continue to work for genuine change and social justice,” Martinez said.
He said that Filipino communities and overseas Filipino workers abroad will be staging “Thank you, Pope Francis” activities as the Holy Father is set to celebrate his final mass in Luneta.
“We appreciate the Pope’s sincere concern for poor Filipinos, his stance against corruption and social inequalities, his respect for human dignity and human rights, and his honest and heartfelt advocacy for Filipino migrants and families.” ###
