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We Filipinos—well, those who believe in God — should be thankful
that we have no laws, as in the United States, forbidding the public
celebration of Christmas (and religious holidays of any faith).
These prohibitions are imposed to keep the state and governments
neutral about religion. The only trouble with that outlook is that
it has made governments supporters of atheism, which is itself a
kind of faith in reverse.
Here’s something incredible. The PR people of
Philippine companies and government firms have copied America’s
secular quirks. They have been sending Christmas-season greeting
cards (not “Christmas cards”) saying only “Happy Holidays!”
Do the people who sign and send these cards – a number of whom we
happen to know are church-going Catholics and Protestants –
realize that they have by that deed joined the movement to make
society feel that to be a Christian, to observe Christian customs,
is something bad?
Catholics and Christians who secularize
Christmas should become aware of what Pope Benedict XVI (whose
sentiments have also been expressed by Protestant pastors and a
group of Muslim imams and religious scholars that we know) that
“celebrating a secular ‘Christmas’ is pointless” unless it
is only to enjoy another occasion for revelry.
At his weekly public audience on December 19,
Pope Benedict XVI said: “If we do not recognize that God was made
man, what sense does it have to celebrate Christmas?” the Holy
Father asked. “We Christians must reaffirm with profound and
heartfelt conviction the truth of Christ’s Nativity.”
He said Christians have a duty to proclaim the
truth, and speak out about the reason for Christmas joy.
Pope Benedict encouraged the faithful to pray
“more intensely for the realization of hopes of peace and
salvation” which the birth of Christ, God incarnated as a human
being, has turned into a reality.
When we see Christ our Lord as a baby wrapped in
swaddling clothes lying on staw in the crib, let us see him as our
master and teacher.
We must learn from him, we must try to know his
life and imitate his humility, his love for others before self, his
willingness to lose his life to give eternal happiness to every man,
woman and child.
That is what Christmas is all about.
‘Our esteemed guest speaker…’
MS. Teresita Ang-see, chairwoman of the Movement
for the Restoration of Peace and Order, is angry over the invitation
of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP)
to former Quezon City Rep. Dennis Roldan to speak at its flag
ceremony on December 3.
Ms. Ang-see, concurrent spokesman for the
Citizens’ Action Against Crime and Corruption, said that
Roldan’s appearance before the ISAFP was a setback for law and
order. She said in no uncertain terms that Roldan (Michell Gumabao
in real life) was guilty of kidnapping a 3-year-old boy in Pasig
City two years ago.
The former congressman is facing trial for
kidnapping before the Pasig City regional trial court. His lawyer
has asked critics to avoid passing judgment because Roldan has not
been convicted and presumed innocent.
Ms. Ang-see and other sources said Roldan led a
prayer at the flag-raising rite and delivered a short talk where he
professed innocence of the crime against him.
A government office is guilty of undue
impropriety by inviting persons of dubious character. The event was
an insult to the national flag, the Tsinoy community leader added.
Rear Adm. Leonardo Calderon, AFP chief for
intelligence, has ordered ISAFP chief Brig. Gen. Arsenio Arugay to
investigate the matter.
Gen. Arugay claimed the invitation was made
without his permission. He has ordered the transfer of Maj. Fernando
Siscar, chief of personnel, who extended the invitation. Reports
said Siscar attends a Bible study group with Roldan, a born-again
pastor.
Is there good to be had when a crime suspect, a
prisoner or ex-con is invited to a public gathering?
The United States legal system encourages
convicts performing community service, as part of their sentence, to
speak about their crime and share their experience with the public.
We might try the same approach. A talk by a
prisoner or ex-con would be instructive and purgative for the man.
If the Department of Justice allows it, Rolito
Go could, as a requirement for release, address civic groups on
keeping a cool head when driving.
Former Rep. Romeo Jalosjos and former Calauan
Mayor—Sanchez could speak on their experience.
Mr. Nur Misuari, former Autonomous Region for
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor, might advise the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) leaders and the NDF-NPA rebels on protecting
the territorial sovereignty.
There is no law why former prisoners cannot
speak in public about their life-defining crises. Recently, actor
Robin Padilla granted the Philippine Star an interview where he
spoke partly about his jail term, giving interesting and eye-opening
details. He was imprisoned for illegal possession of a handgun.
Former President Joseph Estrada is writing his
autobiography. Publication and book launching will take time.
Meanwhile, he could grant an interview or address the Manila Rotary
Club on his difficult incarceration in his Tanay rest house.
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