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Doctors, Religious Leaders Call on People to Help in Bringing Peace, Solidarity |
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February 24, 2008
Medical doctors and religious leaders are calling on the people to join hands in bringing peace and genuine solidarity amid the political crisis basetting the Arroyo administration triggered by scandals and scams one after the other.
At a press conference held during the NewsStand breakfast forum at the Ambassador Hotel in Ermita, Manila, officers and members of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) and Heal the Nation Interfaith Council (HTNIC) made the call as a way of finally ending the country’s crisis.
They cited that the country is unwell, racked by social ills such as poverty, corruption, terrorism and divisiveness but like a house infested with termites the owners cannot burn the house down but must instead treat the infestation to get rid of the problem.
“We see that we cannot depend on our political leaders alone to initiate national healing as they themselves are divided. We have suffered long enough because of our indifference in doing our duty as patriotic citizens of our country,” PMA vice president Rey Melchor Santos, M.D., stressed in an apparent approach to galvanize people into positive action.
Santos said they are now taking the initiative, not by showing brutal force or instigating unlawful acts but through “healing both of the body and soul of the nation and its people.”
On the other hand, Patriarch Florentino Teruel of the Apostolic Catholic Church and spokesman for the HTNIC expressed hope that their group would be able to set an example for other sectors of society in encouraging them to add their voices to their call.
“In doing so, we aim to create such a clamor that will rise above the endless bickering of politicians and some sectors to finally make them listen to our plea,” Teruel pointed out.
PMA and HTNIC members enjoined everyone to initiate physical, spiritual and political healing through words and deeds and heal the nation by manifesting patriotism through nation-building.
“Let us forget our personal grudges and selfish ambitions and instead focus on the greater interest of our people. Let us respect the Rule of Law at all times even as we call for change in the country. And, finally, let us address the problems of our country without destroying the whole country in the process,” both Santos and Teruel said.
Today, the PMA with HTNIC will conduct free medical mission for peace and unity in front of the Manila Broadcasting Co.-dzRH radio station located within the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City from 6 a.m. onward. Source: http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080224met2.html |
