MANILA, Philippines — The Filipino people can take an example from Mary and Joseph in facing their daily trials, Vice President Leni Robredo said in her Christmas message.
The vice president noted that the ricing prices of basic commodities remain one of the burdens that Filipinos face today as Christmas nears.
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The country's headline inflation rose at a nine-year high of 6.7 percent in September. It has cooled down to 6 percent in November.
Christmas is a time for families and friends to be together but Robredo reminded the public to take into heart the true spirit of Christmas.
"We can find it in the story of ordinary people who did wonderful things during Christmas. One is Joseph who chose to take care of Mary and her baby. Mary humbly obeyed God's command," Robredo said in Filipino.
"Let us demonstrate our true Filipino identity: our smiles will not diminish and our love will not cool down. We will not lose to the challenges of the times," she added.
Despite anger and enmity, Filipinos should choose what is right for the sake of those who are in need, Robredo said.
"Now more than ever, they need us. Let us not leave anyone behind. Every life is important; every Filipino has a God-given right to safety," the vice president said. — Patricia Lourdes Viray