Mr. President, moral ascendancy, that’s what we need!

“The Catholic Church is full of shit.” These were words uttered by the President a few weeks ago. Now talk about moral ascendancy. The President must think before he speaks. The children are listening. The youth of our land are reading the news. The people are mortified. Does he really want to destroy the moral fabric of this nation by bashing the Church and making us rise against each other?

How can the President carelessly and foolishly accuse the Church in general? Many of us are Roman Catholics. As a matter of fact, statistics show that 80 million Filipinos are Catholics. We are the Church. His words pierced my heart and I’m sure the millions of Catholics around the world.

The Catholic Church has stood for all that is noble, good and true throughout the centuries. My grandfather Benito T. Soliven was a staunch supporter of the Church and believed that the Church has stood out as a stabilizing, enlightening and saving influence in human society despite the errors and calumnies of her detractors and enemies who impute to her, unwittingly or deliberately, the misdeeds and blunders of individuals and even the imperfections of man.

Yes, there have been Catholics who have committed wrongs and incurred errors, but this was not because they were Catholics but in spite of their being Catholics. Like Judas, it would be unjust to say that Judas’ sins represent the moral standard and the creed of the Apostles.

The Catholic who is true to his principle and his Creed, loves God and obeys His commandments. He loves and serves his fellow men. He is a good citizen and a patriot. He is a power for good in the community. He is a valued person. The Catholic therefore, does all that he can, all that is good; all that is worthy and just; will view the true purpose of life on earth; the external glory of God, compliance with duty, service to others and salvation of one’s soul.

Whenever the country is in despair due to a natural calamity or man-made disaster, the Catholic citizen is there – willingly and whole-heartedly ready to lend a hand. Many of our non-government organizations are headed by virtuous Catholics who go out of their way caring for the sick, feeding the poor, giving refuge to the homeless, and helping others improve their lives. You see the Catholic citizen counseling their Filipino brothers and sisters in the prison cells, the OFWs and their families, the orphans, senior citizens, etc. They are all out there doing the work that government has ignored and failed to do.

The Catholic citizen is good, Mr. President. He loves his neighbors and serves his fellow men. He is fair to everyone, friend or foe. He defends the weak and the oppressed. He respects women, he is considerate of the old. He performs acts of kindness and mercy. He is a useful member of the community in which he lives in. He is not your enemy Mr. President.

True, Church officials have been vocal in condemning the so-called extrajudicial killings but this is the stand of the Church (and the Church is the community, the people). Our doctrine says that all authority emanates from God, and that the duly constituted government must be respected as long as they do not conflict with divine mandates and the fundamental rights of man. So, it is natural for Catholics to be perplexed with the so many killings happening every day under the very nose of the President and his men.

Don’t forget that Catholics are patriotic. Catholics know that they have a duty to their family as well as to their country. In our country, most of our national heroes and leaders are Catholics. Rizal was a Catholic and before his death, he solemnly declared his Catholic faith. Antonio Luna, the most intrepid of Filipino generals of the Revolution, was a Catholic; Fr. Jose A. Burgos, apostle of Filipino nationalism, was a Catholic priest. President Manuel Quezon and Vice President Sergio Osmeña and most of our recent Presidents are Catholics. Our famous scientists: Del Rosario, Guerrero, Mercado, Lantin, Batug, Fe Del Mundo and many more are Catholics. Those who contributed to culture and the arts: Hidalgo, Juan Luna, Resurreccion, Tolentino and Amorsolo, Lumbera, Sionil Jose are Catholics.

Mr. President, the problems we face in this country is alarming indeed. We are living in an age characterized by violent conflicts among opposing political, economic and moral forces. When we analyze these and trace them to their causes, we are confronted by the startling reality that these tremendous conflicts are educational in nature.

We are amazed to find that the eventual fate of nations is determined not in the battlefield but in the classrooms. Education is bound with the life of a nation. We will surely reap an educational harvest once we sow the seeds of culture, of social commitment and love of country in the classrooms.

Today, you notice that there is disorder, chaos in our communities. No civic order, social discipline and a lack of human standards and morality. Do not sow the seeds of hate. Change the “hate” into “unconditional love and care” and only then shall you see the fruits of your labor. You will change this country and turn it into one with a true heart.

Through earnest, systematic, coordinated and mature study of our societal problems, you need to take a step higher, one on moral ascendancy. You must raise the moral and social standards of our country in the maintenance of social discipline, and of law and order.

Men may differ on matters of policies and the choice of public officials, and may engage in bitter controversy; but once the authority is vested on you, you have a role to represent the people. You must perform your duties to the people, irrespective of party affiliations and partisan leanings. You should remember that in political matters, your prime loyalty is to the people and the Catholics are a big part of this nation.