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CALL TO PATRIOTISM
A Pastoral Exhortation
We have been informed that a segment of our Philippine Army had planned a "coup" on the occasion of rallies commemorating EDSA People Power I, a sign of withdrawing its support to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. As a result thereof the President has declared "a state of emergency"—among others prohibiting holding of rallies, and resulting in the arrest of some civilians. As the governance of President Arroyo continues to be haunted by questions of legitimacy and corruption, our life as a people is unavoidably affected.
In the meantime, as we discern the signs of the times we call upon all in civil society to exercise prudence, sobriety, patience and vigilance. Let us meet this event with calmness. We reject violence from whichever group that may come either in pursuance of its purpose or to take advantage of the crisis-situation. Remember Tayo'y kapwa Pilipino, mahal ng Dios!
A STATEMENT ON MINING ISSUES AND CONCERNS
We are Pastors. We listen to the voice of the flock and take care of them. In our task to care for them, we reiterate our concern for the Earth.
In 1998, we in the CBCP issued A Statement of Concern on the Mining Act of 1995. We declared that the government mining policy is offering our lands to foreigners with liberal conditions while our people continue to grow in poverty. We stated that the adverse social impact on the affected communities far outweigh the gains promised by mining Trans-National corporations (TNCs). In our statement we also forewarned that the implementation of the Mining Act will certainly destroy environment and people and will lead to national unrest.
RENEWING OUR PUBLIC LIFE THROUGH MORAL VALUES
A Pastoral Statement
Beloved People of God:
We, your bishops, have collectively discerned in the light of the Gospel what our mass media, our political leaders and, above all, you parishioners in our various dioceses have been telling us. What clearly emerges is the continued and urgent need for renewal in the public life of our country.
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