A Catholic prelate said the opening of churches and religious services should be considered by decision makers as among the essential services that can be allowed when they talk about the lifting of the lock down, either completely, or in a mitigated way.
Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo said people need hope at this time when there is great uncertainly about the future due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“They need the assurance of a benign higher power on whom they can depend in this time of uncertainty. This is given by religion, more so in the Philippines, where the people are very religious,” he said in a statement.
Pabillo said religion is very important for Filipinos as it is faith that gives them strength especially in difficulties.
