Corrupt, exploited political system
Inquirer News Service
"YAHWEH then said, 'I have seen the misery of my people. I have heard them crying for help on account of their taskmasters. Yes, I am well aware of their sufferings.'" (Exodus 3:7)
Indeed, this has been the plight of our Filipino people and it has reached disastrous proportions: "12M children below the age of 10 suffer from hunger and malnutrition," "12-14M are unemployed and underemployed," "3,000 Filipinos leave the country daily, forced by massive poverty, to accept jobs that are dangerous and degrading to human dignity," "our women and children are being trafficked and commodified," "our patrimony is being plundered and sold to MNCs [multinational companies] and TNCs [transnational companies]," "prices of basic commodities rise unabated."
We have witnessed and experienced, through our various Good Shepherd ministries the sufferings and struggles of women and children, urban and rural poor, indigenous peoples and migrants. We have seen the continuing destruction of our environment.
Globalization has exploited the graft-ridden and corrupt political system in our country, which intensifies the chronic economic crisis. This government has failed to avert the present crises.
Past administrations, including the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration -- which should be promoting the common good and protecting our national sovereignty -- have become subservient to foreign interests and patronage politics. The trust of our people in our government leaders' capacity to govern has been eroded.
"At the sight of the crowds, Jesus was moved with compassion for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd." (Mt. 9:36)
Our people are being pushed to the limits of human endurance. We challenge Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to prove her avowed love of country and to heed the call of the suffering people. She must step down now!
Let us act now to help bring about the much-needed radical systemic change in our economic, political and cultural institutions.
We call on the Filipino citizenry to support the basic sectors and other people of goodwill who are now participating in the transition of government and coming up with their agenda for meaningful change.
We will continue to intensify our prayers and fasting until God's reign of justice, peace and freedom will prevail in our country.
SR. CARMELITA CRUZ, RGS, provincial superior, Sisters of the Good Shepherd (RGS), Philippine Province, 1043 Aurora Boulevard, Quezon City
