PRESIDENT Duterte and his top critic, detained senator Leila M. de Lima on Monday both asked Filipinos for prayers—he, for the frontliners in the war against Covid-19, and she, for justice for all the victims of violence and senseless killings in the country.
Duterte, in a message for the nationwide observance of All Saints’ and All Soul’s Day or Undas, urged the public to pray for the frontliners who died during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a brief statement on Monday, Duterte recognized the contribution of the workers, who died while in the line of duty while assisting in local efforts against Covid-19.
“We pray for those who died because of Covid-19 and we also pray for those who have sacrificed life and limb to save more lives and keep us safe,” he added.
As of October 31, 2021, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 43,172 people died from Covid-19 infection nationwide, including health-care workers and other frontliners.
During the two-day religious holiday this year, Duterte appealed to the public to reflect and be grateful “for the gift of life and the promise of eternity” amid the ongoing pandemic.
“As we follow the example of the saints and pray for our loved ones who have passed on, let us also pray for each other, especially during this pandemic,” Duterte said.
De Lima: Strength, justice
For her part, De Lima also said she constantly prays for strength and healing of all the Filipino families who continue to suffer for losing their loved ones amid the pandemic.
“Dalangin ko po ang patuloy na lakas, tatag at kapanatagan ng loob ng bawat isa sa atin sa kabila ng patuloy na pangungulila at banta ng krisis. Patuloy ko ring ipinagdarasal, hinahangad at ipinaglalaban na makamit na ng mga biktima ng karahasan at pamamaslang ang hustisya,” she said.
“Dahil paano nga ba masasabing ‘namayapa’ sila kung patuloy namang naghuhumiyaw para sa katarungan ang pamilya ng mga biktima?” she asked.
[I continue to pray for strength and mental and spiritual fortitude for all of us amid the deep anguish over the loss of lives and the threat of the pandemic. I will also keep praying and fighting for justice for all victims of violence and killings. [Indeed, how can it be said that they are in eternal repose if the victims’ families continue to cry to the heavens for justice?]”
Every November 1 and 2 of every year, Filipinos gather in cemeteries to visit the graves of their loved ones and pay their respects by lighting candles, offering flowers, and praying for their souls.
This year, just like last year, however, many families will not be able to pay homage to their loved ones as local government units (LGUs) announced that cemeteries will be closed during Undas.
Amid challenges, the senator from Bicol urged Filipinos to continue showing compassion and love to each other. She has filed her certificate of candidacy for reelection to the Senate, where she served less than two years before being clapped in jail on drug-related charges that she insists were concocted by the Duterte administration because of her criticism of his record of human-rights violations.