Cardinal Jose Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila, has urged government officials to prioritize serving “those most in need and the neglected” instead of expending their energy on political feuds.
“I humbly exhort you all to pray for them that they may receive the grace to exercise statesmanship in most trying times so that sobriety may prevail in our land and that political issues and personal interests may not divide the nation,” the prelate said in a statement issued on Nov. 27.
Advincula made the appeal following an exchange of condemnation between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
The controversy erupted after Duterte, during a fiery weekend press conference, claimed she had instructed her security team to assassinate Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were assassinated.
“I said, if I die, don’t stop until you have killed them,” Duterte told reporters.
Earlier Monday, Marcos condemned the threat, calling it “disturbing” and vowing to “fight back.” The remarks signal the complete breakdown of the Marcos-Duterte alliance that dominated the 2022 elections but has since unraveled amid mutual allegations of corruption, drug use, and betrayal.
Duterte’s explosive remarks also followed intensifying investigations into her alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds during her tenure as education secretary.
Lawmakers have flagged irregularities, including receipts signed with fictitious names such as “Mary Grace Piattos” and “Oishi.”
Advincula said the brewing political storm that political leaders are facing “has drained their energy to serve those in most need and the neglected,” noting that there are people still reeling from the effects of recent typhoons.
“It is our prayer that they may have the humility to listen to each other with respect and act together for the sake of the country,” said Advincula.
The prelate also urged the public and leaders of various sectors “to do what they can to prevent the escalation of political and personal conflicts.”
