Sa pagdiriwang ng Pagbubukas ng 2018 bilang Taon ng Kaparian at ng mga Relihiyoso 

CBCP Pastoral Exhortation

Unang Linggo ng Adbiyento, ika-3 ng Disyembre 2017

Mga minamahal na kapatid kay Kristo,

Pagbati ng biyaya at kapayapaan sa inyong lahat!

Sumapit na tayo sa ika-anim na taon ng ating siyam na taong paglalakbay patungo sa 2021 – ang ika-500 taon ng pagdating ng pananampalatayang Kristiyano sa Pilipinas. Naganap noong 1521 ang kauna-unahang pagdiriwang ng unang Banal na Misa at ng sakramento ng Binyag sa kapuluan ng Pilipinas. At nagsimula ang debosyon sa Santo Nino sa Cebu. Yan ang pasimula ng pangangaral ng Mabuting Balita sa ating bansa.

Ang taong 2018 ay itinakda para sa Kaparian at sa mga nasa Buhay-Relihiyoso. Kung tutuusin, sila ay maliit na bilang lamang sa Simbahan, ngunit ginagampanan nila ang isang mahalagang papel sa misyon ng Simbahan. Sa ating kultura, sila’y mahalagang instrumento sa mga Layko nang tunay nilang matanggap ang Mabuting Balita at maging isang komunidad ng mga alagad na nangangaral ng Mabuting Balita. Ngunit, hindi rin sila nakaiiwas sa kambal na kamalian ng paghihiwalay ng pananampalataya at kakulangan sa pagiging alagad ni Kristo.

Pinagbagong pinunong-lingkod para sa panibagong pagpapahayag ng Mabuting Balita – ito ang hantungan ng ating mga panalangin at mga gawain sa taong ito. Hangad nating makamit ang pagbubuo at pagpapanibago ng ating mga pagpapahalaga, kaisipan, asal at paraan ng pamumuhay ng Kaparian at ng mga Relihiyoso. Bilang pagsunod sa halimbawa ng Mabuting Pastol, sila’y inaanyayahang maging mga pinunong-lingkod na nangangalaga sa mga minamaliit, nawawala at pinahuhuli. Ito rin ay magiging taon ng muling pagsusuri ng mga pamamaraan ng mga seminaryo at ng paghuhubog sa buhay-Relihiyoso at ng pakikilahok sa mga Layko sa gawain ng misyon at paglilingkod.

Sa pagsapit natin sa pinanibagong pagpapahayag ng Mabuting Balita nabatid natin ang liwanag na sumisinag sa ating daan. Masipag na ipinagdiriwang ng ating mga pari araw-araw ang mga sakramento sa mga abalang lungsod at mga malalayo at liblib na barangay. Ang mga Relihiyoso naman ay nangangasiwa sa mga institusyong pang-simbahan, nagtuturo ng katesismo at naglilingkod sa mga parokya. Sila’y nagdudulot ng kagalakan sa mga bahay-ampunan, ospital at mga bilangguan. Ang ilan ay nagsimula narin umalalay sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nalulong sa ipinagbabawal na gamot. Bagama’t walang abito, ang mga kasapi ng mga institutsyong pang-Layko ay buong katapatang kumikilos para sa ikatataguyod ng Kaharian ng Diyos sa kanilang abang kapamaraanan. Sila’y tunay na nagbibigay sa atin ng inspirasyon at lakas, halimbawa na lamang ay ang pari ng Marawi na si Fr. Teresito “Chito” Soganub na muntik nang mamatay dahil sa pangangalaga sa kanyang mga parokyanong naipit sa putukan ng digmaan. Binibigyang pag-asa nila tayo sa kinabukasan.

Sa kabilang banda, hindi maitatanggi na ang liwanag ng mga ilaw ay nakukublian ng mga nakapamamanglaw na anino mula sa ilang Kaparian at Relihiyoso. May mga pagkakataong nalulungkot tayo dahil sa kanilang karupukan at mga eskandalong kinasasangkutan. Ang mga maling asal na ito ay nananawagan ng tunay na pagninilay at buong kababaang-loob na pagsisisi at pagbabayad-puri. Ang mga kamaliang ito nawa’y magdala sa atin sa bago at mas malawak na pagkakatong magpanibago at makiisa sa mga mahihina at nasisiraan ng loob. Nawa’y ang ating mga pari at Relihiyoso, sa kabila ng kanilang karupukan at pagiging sugatan, ay magpatuloy na maglingkod at gumabay sa mga kapwa-makasalanan taglay ang kagalakan ng Mabuting Balita na maghahatid sa kaganapan ng buhay. Pinalalakas ni Hesus ang ating loob sa pamamagitan ng kanyang salita: “Magdaranas kayo ng kapighatian sa sanlibutang ito, ngunit tibayan ninyo ang inyong loob! Napagtagumpayan ko na ang sanlibutan!” (Juan 16:33)

Ang pagpapanibago ng Simbahan ay nangangailangan ng pagpapanibago ng Kaparian at ng mga Relihiyoso. Dahil dito, kumukuha tayo ng inspirasyon at halimbawa sa magiliw na yugto nang hugasan ni Hesus ang mga paa ng kanyang mga alagad.

ANG PAKIKIPAGKAISA NI HESUS SA AMA

“Alam niyang siya’y mula sa Ama …” (Juan 13:3) – Hindi nawala ang kaisahan ni Hesus sa kanyang makalangit na Ama nang siya’y namuhay dito sa lupa. Ang kanyang pakikiisa at pakikipagpalagayang-loob sa Ama ang nagtulak sa kanya na abutin ang mga makasalanan at mga nangangailangan. Ito ang pinagmumulan ng bisa ng kanyang pananalita at mga himala (cf. Juan 6:38. 46; Juan 8,19. 29).

Bilang mga Layko, mga pari at mga Relihiyoso, inaanyayahan tayong makibahagi sa “pakikipagkaisa” at “pakikipagpalagayang-loob” kay Hesus at sa Ama. Ang Kaparian at mga Relihiyoso ay kaisa ni Kristo sa pagpapahayag ng Salita, sa pagdiriwang ng mga Sakramento at sa Espirituwal na pamumuno. Yan ang dahilan kung bakit tayo tinatawag na mga “alagad ng Diyos”, mga maka-Diyos at ang mas naangkop “lingkod ng Diyos”. Sa pamamagitan ng kanilang paglilingkod na nagpapabanal sila mismo’y napababanal (cf. CCC, 1534).

Ngunit minsan, sila’y tila nalalayo sa Diyos at sa pagtupad ng kanyang kalooban. May ilang nalululong sa mga materyal na bagay, sa kanilang pag-aasam sa sarap ng buhay at sa kapangyarihan. Sa halip na maging mga pinunog-lingkod ng pagkakaisa sila’y nagtutulak pa sa atin sa kalituhan at pagkakawatak-watak. Ipanalangin nating lagi tayong maging kaisa ni Hesus katulad niya na laging kaisa ng Ama! Ipinapanalangin natin ang Kaparian at mga Relihiyoso na patuloy na tumalima kay Hesus ang maging mga ganap na alagad ng Panginoon na laan sa Panibagong Pagpapahayag ng Mabuting Balita. (cf St. John Paul II, Pastores DaboVobis III, 26)

TUMINDIG SI HESUS NANG BUONG KABABAANG-LOOB NA MAGLINGKOD

“Tumindig si Hesus…” (Juan 13:4) – Tumindig si Hesus mula sa hapag upang hugasan ang mga paa ng kanyang mga alagad. Ang kanyang pagmamahal sa kanila ang nag-udyok sa kanyang maglingkod nang buong kababaang-loob.

Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang walang kapagurang lakas sa pakikipag-isa sa Ama, buo ang loob ni Hesus na paglingkuran at mahalin ang mga ipinagkatiwala sa kanya, kahit na hanggang kamatayan, kamatayan sa krus (cf Filipos 2:8). Tayo, bilang kabahagi ng kanyang Simbahan, ay inaanyayahang gawing ganap ang Kaharian ng Diyos na nasa ating piling. Tinatawagan tayong kalingain ang mga higit na nangangailangan, na mahalin at paglingkuran ang mga malalayo sa atin. Ang Kaparian at mga Relihiyoso na binigyan ng tungkuling pamunuan ang ating mga komunidad, na minsan ay nabibigyan ng mga prebilehiyo at entitlement, ay kinakailangang bumangon mula sa kumportable at maalwang posisyon upang bukas-palad at buong kababaang-loob na makapaglingkod. Manindigan nawa sila laban sa mundong na unti-unting nagiging manhid at minsa’y napopoot sa Mabuting Balita, ngunit patuloy na nagugutom sa isang bagay na hindi nito batid. Sa huli, Ang Mabuting Balita ay magwawagi, ang pananampalataya kay Hesus ay mabibigyang-matwid, sapagkat kanyang sinabi: “huwag kayong matakot sapagkat nagapi ko na ang mundo” (Juan 16:33)

“…AT KANYANG HINUGASAN ANG MGA PAA NG MGA ALAGAD.”

“…at hinubad niya ang kanyang damit …kanyang hinugasan ang mga paa ng mga alagad…” (Juan 13:4-5) Habang nakaluhod sa paanan ng mga alagad, hinubad ng Pangnioon ang damit na pananggalang at ibinigkis ang tuwalya ng paglilingkod. Ipinakita niya ang halimbawa ng kababaang-loob sa paghuhugas niya sa kanilang mga pagod at maruruming paa. Pinaalalahanan niya silang gawin iyon sa isa’t isa, “…kung ano ang ginawa ko sa inyo, gawin din ninyo sa isa’t isa” (Juan 13:15)

“Anong ganda ng mga paa ng mga naghahatid ng Mabuting Balita” (Isaias 52:7; Roma 10:15). Kinikilala ng Banal na Kasulatan ang kanilang kagalakan, sila na naghahatid ng mensahe ng Mabuting Balita. Ang tungkuling maghatid ng Mabuting Balita ay may kaakibat na pagdamay, at pagtawid sa kalayuan, dito sa ating bansa at sa mga bansa ng Asia. Dapat nating siguruhin na hindi mawaglit ang sinumang nangangailangan ng galak at pag-asa na hatid ng Mabuting Balita. “Sa mga nasa laylayan!” Ilusad ang ating mga manggas at kumilos! Ang Simbahan ay isang ospital sa larangan ng digmaan! “Duc in altum!”

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Renewed servant-leaders for the New Evangelization

CBCP Pastoral  Exhortation (English)

On the Occasion of the Opening
of the 2018 Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons
First Sunday of Advent, 03 December 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and Peace to all of you!

We are on the 6th Year of our 9-year Spiritual Journey towards 2021 – the 500th Year after the arrival of Christianity to the Philippines. It was in 1521 that the Holy Mass was first celebrated and the Sacrament of Baptism was first administered in the Philippine archipelago. Then the Santo Niño devotion began in Cebu. That was the start of our Evangelization

The year 2018 is dedicated to the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. They comprise just a small portion of the Church, yet they are fulfilling a vital role in her mission. In our culture, they are greatly instrumental for the lay to become truly an evangelized and evangelizing community of disciples. Yet they are not immune to the twin errors of a dichotomy of faith and inadequate discipleship of Christ.

Renewed servant-leaders for the New Evangelization – this is the goal of our prayers and activities this year. We aim towards the integral renewal of the values, mind-sets, behavior and life-styles of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. Following the example of the Good Shepherd, they are invited to become servant-leaders who care most especially for the least, the lost and the last. It will be a year, too, of revisiting ways of seminary and religious formation and the collaboration with the laity in the work of mission and ministry. (Cf. Pastoral Exhortation on the Era of New Evangelization)

As we embark towards a new Evangelization we have become aware of the bright lights along the way. Our priests faithfully celebrate the sacraments daily in the busy urban areas and in the distant and lonely barangays. Our men and women religious administer church institutions, teach catechism, and serve in the parishes. They bring joy to orphanages, hospitals and prisons. Some have started working for rehabilitation of drug dependents. Working without habits, but no less committed, are the members of lay institutes, promoting the Kingdom in their own humble way. They truly inspire and strengthen us, like the priest of Marawi, Fr. Teresito “Chito” Suganob, who almost lost his life caring for his parishioners caught in the crossfire’s of war. They make us hopeful for tomorrow.

On the other hand, the bright lights undeniably go at times with some dismal shadows, brought about by some of our Clergy and Consecrated Persons themselves. There were occasions of frailty and scandals that sadden us. Such misconducts call for sincere reflection and humble repentance and reparation.  May these faults point us to new and vast possibilities of renewal and communion with those who are weak and broken. May our Priests and Consecrated Persons, in their weakness and woundedness, continue to serve and guide fellow sinners with the joy of the Gospel that leads to the fullness of life. Jesus himself encourages us with his words: “In the world you have tribulation; but take courage, I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33)

Renewal of the Church requires the renewal of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons. For this, we take inspiration and example from the tender scene of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet.

JESUS IN COMMUNION WITH THE FATHER

“Fully aware that he comes from the Father…”(Jn 13:3) – Jesus never lost that unity with his heavenly Father while he lived on earth. His communion and intimacy with the Father moved him to reach out to sinners and needy. It was the source of the impact of his words and the effectiveness of his miraculous deeds. (cf. Jn 6:38. 46; Jn 8:19, 29)

As Lay, Clergy and Consecrated persons, we are invited to share in this “communion” and “intimate relationship” between Jesus and the Father. The Clergy and Consecrated Persons are united with Christ in the Proclamation of the Word, in the celebration of the Sacraments, and in their Spiritual Leadership. That is why they are called “alagad ng Diyos,” men and women “of God” or even more accurately, “servants of God.” It is through their very ministry of sanctification that they too are sanctified (cf. CCC, 1534)

But at times, they seem far from God and from following his will. Some get entangled in their concern for material possessions, in their need for pleasures and in their desire for power. Instead of becoming servant-leaders of communion they may even lead us to confusion and disharmony. Let us pray that we may remain ever closely united to Jesus as he is in constant communion with the Father! We pray that all the Clergy and Consecrated Persons continue to abide in Jesus and become perfect disciples of the Lord for the New Evangelization. (cf St. John Paul II, Pastores DaboVobis III, 26)

JESUS STOOD TO HUMBLY SERVE…

“Jesus stood…” (Jn 13:4) – Jesus “rose up from the meal” to wash his disciples’ feet. His love for them moved him to serve them humbly.

With this inexhaustible strength in communion with the Father, Jesus was determined to serve and love those who were given to him, even to the point of death, death on the cross. (cf Phil 2:8) We, as members of his Church, are invited to actualize the Kingdom of God present in our midst. We are called to reach out to those in greatest need, to love and to serve those considered different and far from us. The Clergy and Consecrated Persons, given their role of leadership in our communities, and who often enjoy privileges and entitlements, should stand up from a comfortable and privileged position to generously and humbly serve. May they stand out in a world that is increasingly indifferent and even hostile to the Good News, and yet hungering for something it knows not. In the end, the Gospel will prevail, faith in Jesus will be vindicated, for as he said, “fear not, I have already conquered the world.” (Jn 16:33)

“…AND HE BEGAN TO WASH THE DISCIPLES’ FEET.”

“…and he set aside his vestments…began to wash the feet of the disciples…” (Jn 13:4-5) The Lord, kneeling at the feet of his disciples, set aside his garment of protection and put on the towel of service. Showing his example of humility, he washed their tired and soiled feet. He later admonished them to do the same to one another, “…just as I have done for you, so also should you do.” (Jn 13:15)

“How lovely are the feet of him who brings the good news!” (Is. 52:7; Rom 10:15). The Scriptures acknowledges them who come with joyful tidings, who bear the Gospel message. The task of sharing the Good News entails reaching out, and traversing distances, here in our country and in neighboring Asia. We are careful not to neglect anyone needing the joy and hope that the Gospel brings. “To the peripheries!” Let us roll up our sleeves and work! The Church is like a field hospital! “Duc in altum!”

My dear people of God, please continue to support our clergy and consecrated persons in their journey as “servants to the servants of the Gospel.” As shepherds to the Lord’s flock, may they “take on the odor of their sheep.” As vulnerable “lovely feet” of the New Evangelization, may they encourage others to mission by serving with humility, by loving in action, and by strengthening the poor, the hopeless, the victims of injustice and oppression (cf. Is 52:7; Rom 10:15)

Let us also pray for the young men and women in the seminaries and formation houses. As they prepare for a life of self-offering and service may their communion with Jesus be the source of their inspiration, strength and joy.

Let us all together, Lay, Clergy and Consecrated Persons, remain united with Jesus. With Mary let us proclaim the greatness of the Lord and rejoice in God our savior. May we become servants of the new evangelization to one another so that one day, God may finally and truly be all in all. (cf 1 Cor 15:28b)

From the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, December 3, 2017, First Sunday of Advent


+ ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

A Call to Action

The Philippine House of Representatives  Committee on Population and Family Relations will hold another hearing on the Dissolution of Marriage Bills on December 6, 2017, at 1:30 p.m., at the House Speaker’s Conference Room, Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City.

We invite the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas national organizations, diocesan and archdiocesan councils of the laity, and all concerned Catholics, to bring their statement  and attend said hearing. The concerned bills are the following House Bills:

  • HB 116 “An Act Instituting Absolute Divorce in The Philippines and for Other Purposes”
  • HB 1062 “An Act Amending Title 1, Chapter 3, Of Executive Order No. 209, Otherwise Known as the Family Code Of The Philippines, Prescribing Additional Ground for Annulment”
  • HB 1629 “An Act Legalizing Church Annulment or Dissolution of Certain Marriages and for Other Purposes”
  • HB 2380 “An Act Introducing Divorce in the Philippines, Amending for the Purpose Articles 26, 55 To 66 And Repealing Article 36 Under Title II of Executive Order No. 209, As Amended, Otherwise Known as the Family Code of the Philippines, and for Other Purposes”
  • HB 3705 “An Act Recognizing the Civil Effects of Church Declaration of Nullity, Annulment and Dissolution of Marriages and for Other Purposes”
  • HB 6027 “An Act Providing For Grounds for the Dissolution of a Marriage”
  • HB 6446 “An Act Recognizing the Capacity of the Filipino Spouse to Remarry when the Alien Spouse Has Obtained a Foreign Judicial Decree of Absolute Divorce, Amending for the Purpose Executive Order No. 209, Otherwise Known as the Family Code of the Philippines”

Sangguniang Laiko will be honored to have your designated official representatives join.

Please leave a message with your name and organization at the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas Facebook page or send a text to Joseph Jesalva at 09771794938 or 09283933184.

Keep the Doors of the GRP-NDFP Peace Talks Open

 A Statement of the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) is saddened over the government’s “cancellation of all planned meetings” and its pronouncement that “there will be no peace negotiations” with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). The official statement by Sec. Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) states that the decision was “in line with President Duterte’s directive that there will be no more peace talks with them”. The reason stated for the cancellation was due to “…recent tragic and violent incidents” committed by the rebels. The PEPP believes that this cancellation of peace negotiations is equally tragic, if not more.

As church people, we find nothing more tragic than the refusal of warring parties to continue to open the doors for dialogue that can result to further escalation of violence. President Rodrigo Duterte stated that he does not want talk to the NDFP especially after an ambush by the New People’s Army (NPA) has resulted in the death of an infant. The NDFP on the other hand have accused the military of attacking communities suspected of supporting the NPA. The war is intensifying, and it can only get worse.

We have always maintained that outstanding and delicate issues should be resolved through principled dialogue over the negotiating table. Both the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP have made pronouncements that great strides towards peace have been made in the several formal rounds of talks between the two parties under the Duterte Administration and facilitated by the Royal Norwegian Government (RNG). These positive results from the talks should be pursued and not abandoned. The roots of the armed conflict should be addressed and this could be achieved through the negotiations.

Furthermore, both parties have already signed agreements that will address incidents of violence. The Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and the supplementary

agreement to revive and strengthen the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) is a feasible instrument to use in times like these. Both parties have also shown a sincere willingness to resolve this conflict that has been ongoing for close to 50 years through peace talks. There were already advances in the negotiations for the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and a possible bilateral ceasefire agreement.

We call on both the GRP and the NDFP to stay the course and resume the peace talks, for a better “…future awaits those who seek peace” (Psalms 37:37). It is in this spirit that we also appeal to the government to reconsider its plan to categorize the NPA as a terrorist organization as this will incite more violence and virtually close the door to the peace talks.  Continue reading

Philippine bishops’ conference gets new president

Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao (center) will assume the post of president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Dec. 1. (Photo by Roy Lagarde)

Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao takes over as new chief with Kalookan prelate serving as vice president

UCAN News November 29, 2017

Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao will assume the presidency of the country’s bishops’ conference on Dec. 1.

The 66-year-old Archbishop Valles, a close friend of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, has served as vice president of the conference since December 2013.

He succeeds Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, a vocal critic of Duterte’s anti-narcotics war that has resulted in the killing of thousands of suspected drug users and dealers.

There will be no formal handover ceremony as the new president begins his term of office, said Father Marvin Mejia, secretary-general of the bishops’ conference.

Archbishop Valles was elected president during the conference’s plenary assembly in July. He will be the 20th head of the 72-year old organization.

The prelate will lead 83 active bishops, five diocesan administrators, and 43 honorary members of the bishops’ conference from 86 ecclesiastical jurisdictions.

Ordained a priest in 1976, Archbishop Valles was appointed prelate of Kidapawan in 1997. In 2006, he was named archbishop of Zamboanga until 2012 when he was transferred to Davao.

Also starting his term in office on Dec. 1 is Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan who was elected the conference’s vice president.

Bishop David, a known Bible scholar, has been serving Kalookan Diocese since January this year. He was ordained a priest in March 1983 and appointed bishop of San Fernando in 2006.

Officials of the Philippine bishops’ conference have a two-year tenure in office, or a total of four if re-elected.

Other members of the conference’s Permanent Council who will assume their posts on Dec. 1 include Archbishop John Du of Palo as treasurer and Father Mejia as secretary-general.

Human Traffickers Supply Children to the Sex Business

Fr.Shay Cullen
22 November 2017

The greatest pain for families is when the parents fight, argue, create a violent home, scold and beat the children and then separate. It has happened thousands of times and that is just what happened to mother and father of 12-year old Meanne. Her father disappeared and in despair the mother sold what they had to buy drugs and when that money ran out, she sold herself along the streets of Angeles City to the sex tourists from many countries. Soon, she was unacceptable and became ragged and worn out.

So she gave her daughter Meanne to a human trafficker to be sold into the sex industry to earn money to support her drug habit. Angeles City is well-known for its human traffickers and sex bars along the road known as Fields Avenue. The bars are licensed and have a mayor’s permit to operate. The sex business is considered an important part of the local economy.

The trade in minors is a form of sex slavery because they are in debt bondage to the sex bar operators. They are quickly made dependent on drugs to keep them in debt and they are unable to quit or escape. The entire corrupt industry should be closed down for exploiting women and children. It is an affront and insult to Philippine dignity. It is also a hive of drug abuse and illegal trafficking. The war-on-drugs should be carried into the sex industry and investigate the criminal syndicates and sex mafia that operate the business. There is an estimated 4.5 million sex slaves in the business worldwide and it earns as much as 32 billion US dollars a year.

In Angeles City, as in most towns and cities in the Philippines, the sexual exploitation of young women and children is rampant. Children are trafficked by relatives that offer the children to the throngs of foreign customers who frequent the area and sex bars. In one television report they offered a 14-year-old child to the journalists. (see The Raid on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xRCk8Ni-cs). The minors are trafficked and sold on the side of the road or through cellphone.

Meanne at 12 years old was brought by the pimp first to a Filipino sex tourist and he raped her. Then she was sold to foreign sex tourists in Angeles City. They continually sexually exploited her. One by one they took her to a hotel. The hotel management is accustomed to allowing children and foreigners go inside their establishments. No one cares, it’s just business.

On one occasion, Meanne revealed that she was brought to the residence of a foreign sex tourist . She was passed around like a plaything and abused many times in different places. Finally, there was a concerned citizen who came to know about it and reported the situation to the anti-trafficking task force. There was a rescue operation and a raid on the house of the human trafficker by the anti-trafficking task force on 27 May 2014 and six minor girls, including Meanne, were rescued.

Despite the extent of the abuse of the children no proper investigation as to who were the rapists of the children was made. No local or foreign sex tourist was arrested. They are seemingly immune from arrest and prosecution as they pay the officials and go free. If ever there is a court case against a foreigner for child rape or trafficking it is settled for money one way or the other. The International Justice Mission was behind the rescue and two cases were filed in court against the Filipino traffickers.

Meanne was sent to the government home for trafficked girls but she escaped from there many times and with other minors returned to Angeles and they were picked up and placed in atTransit house but escaped again. Soon she was being sexually exploited again and living on the streets. She thought that was all she was good for and there was no other future for her. She was again found by social workers and this time she was referred to the Preda Home for Girls on 26 September 2017. Her siblings were cared for by the grandmother when her mother was jailed for drug abuse.

Amazingly she decided to stay at Preda although it is an open center and she could easily escape. She was welcomed and reassured that she was a good girl and had no blame for what happened to her. She was told she could start a new life with education and help for her problems. Then the slow but steady transformation began. She felt accepted, understood supported and never was scolded or punished or heard harsh words. It is all forbidden at Preda. She was reminded of her human dignity and rights. She understood her rights were grievously violated by the mother and human traffickers, pimps and the abusers. She realized she was valued and could restore her dignity and her rebellious attitude melted away.

She is now a shy, quiet, peaceful child and happy to help in the kitchen and looks after the small children like they are her sisters. In the Emotional Expression Therapy room, it is another Meanne that is revealed. Her aggression and anger at her abusers and the neglect and lack of love from her parents is poured out and she cries out and shouts and punches the cushions to release her frustrations and anger.

Then after almost an hour she calms down and tells the therapist her feelings and all that happened to her. She is studying again and has become an empowered young girl with self-confidence and growing personality. After such a terrible experience of abuse and exploitation, Meanne is happy successful child.

But the sex business continues and many more children are sold into slavery. They too have to be rescued until the industry is closed down and the children can find freedom, peace, and a better happier life.

end

In Other Words: Information on the Impeachment Complaint Against Chief Justice Sereno

Photo credit: Manila Bulletin

The government is composed of three branches – executive, legislature and judiciary –which are co-equal and independent from each other. Each branch serves as a check on possible abuses of power or unwise action. It is only right that the Supreme Court, as the third branch under the Constitution, maintain its independence from the two other branches of government to achieve the constitutionally designed structure of checks and balance.

It is enshrined in the Constitution that the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court may be removed from office through impeachment on the basis of specific and serious valid grounds. These grounds are treason, bribery, graft and corruption, culpable violation of the Constitution, other high crimes and betrayal of public trust. These grounds cover offenses of enormous gravity that they strike at the very life or orderly working of government. Therefore, because of its deep implications, the process of impeachment should never be abused or misused to serve partisan or political ends.

If we take a closer look at the impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P.A. Sereno, it is clear that the allegations do not constitute impeachable offenses. The complaint, which is based on hearsay and uses disrespectful language, was designed to malign and distract the Chief Justice from the performance of her duties. The following are the CJ’s answers to the allegations, which the complainant and his supporters in the House of Representatives try to twist to appear infallible.

1.   Complaint: The CJ has alleged hidden wealth, which she failed to declare in her SALN. She also allegedly failed to settle the taxes from her earnings when she stood as counsel for the government from 2004-2008.

a.   The Chief Justice was engaged to help defend the country from the cases filed by Fraport and PIATCO, who claimed a combined total of US$ 990,000,000 plus interest and lost profits against the PHL Government in connection with the NAIA Terminal 3 Project. The Chief Justice earned around US$ 594,000 from nearly five years of hard work to help the country win the two international cases.

b.   All earnings from the cases were reported by then Atty. Sereno in her ITRs and she fully paid the required taxes of approximately Php 8.67 million or 32% of taxable income.

c.   She did not earn US$745,000 or Php 37 million, as alleged in the Complaint. Before deducting taxes, the Chief Justice’s peso equivalent earnings from the two cases amounted to around PhP 30.3 million. The remaining amount after taxes has been spent over time for various asset acquisitions (house, lot, furniture and improvements, personal effects) and investments; these are all reflected in the CJ’s current SALN. The rest went to the family’s tithes, offerings, living, medical, and other operating expenses.

d.   It cannot be said that the legal fees paid to her by government were excessive. In fact, it was relatively small compared to the amount paid to her foreign counterparts. Needless to say, the legal fees she received was only a small portion of the US$6 million awarded to government after she helped it win the case.

e.   All earnings, tax payments, and asset acquisitions from the remainder of her fees occurred prior to her appointment to the Supreme Court. This issue has no factual basis and has no place in an impeachment complaint

2.  Complaint: The CJ’s purchase of an expensive service vehicle was allegedly illegal and extravagant.

a.   The purchase of the vehicle was in conformity with government procurement process and policy. It was not the CJ, but the Supreme Court which bought the 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser. The purchase of this vehicle, including its price, was duly authorized and approved by the Supreme Court En Banc. (Resolution dated 28 March 2017 in A.M. No. 17-03-06-SC, approved the acquisition for the price of P5,110,500.00). The policy includes the choice of vehicle that would provide protection for the highest judicial official of the land (Section 3.1 of DBM Administrative Order No. 233 issued in 2008; Section 2.2 of DBM Budget Circular No. 2010-2). In other words: the purchase of the security vehicle was not illegal and extravagant.

b.   Since her appointment to the High Court in 2010, the CJ used old service vehicles used by retired SC justices. Improvisations were made by installing a bullet proof blanket inside these vehicles and occasionally wearing a bullet proof vest that was given to her by her husband as a gift.

3.   Complaint: The CJ allegedly lives a luxurious and extravagant life. An example of this was her staying in a “presidential villa” in Boracay.

a.   The “presidential villa” in Shangri-la Boracay had already been paid for as meeting room and official photos venue for the 10 ASEAN chief justices. The court-approved budget specifically included the use of the villa to be used as the “function space” (with a boardroom setup) for the whole-day meeting of the 10 chief justices. Instead of booking additional rooms, the CJ, her staff and part of the secretariat were allowed to spend two nights in the presidential villa without additional charges. In other words, the CJ actually saved public funds by using the villa.

b.   The choice of Boracay as the venue for the event was not based on the CJ’s whims and caprices. Boracay was the unanimous choice among ASEAN chief justices since it was also where most of the ASEAN meetings were being held. Security-wise, it was the most appropriate venue for the meeting of the ASEAN chief justices. Shangri-La Boracay was chosen because it was the only resort that offers the right facilities and capabilities to secure those attending the high-level meeting.

c.  The SC En Banc approved a Pph2.6 million budget for the meeting. The complete details of the budget are contained in the proposal submitted by the CJ, including the Boracay package. Two points are worth noting on the issue of “presidential villa”:
first, the use of the “presidential villa” was approved by all SC justices, and second, the villa was intended for a high-level meeting, and not for “extravagant and luxurious” sleepover.

4.   Complaint: The CJ allegedly ordered Muntinlupa RTC judges not to issue warrants of arrest against Senator Leila de Lima.

a.   The CJ never ordered any judge to not issue warrants of arrest against Senator De Lima. In other words, this allegation was just a figment of the imagination. This is a clear “fake news” that is meant to vilify the CJ.

b.   The Chief Justice does not interfere with the decision-making process of lower courts.

5.   Complaint: The CJ allegedly falsified a resolution on the implementation of the Regional Court Administrative Office in Region 7 (RCAO 7).

The resolution issued by the CJ in connection with the implementation of RCAO-7 went through the proper procedure. Until this time, the SC En Banc has not withdrawn the resolution issued by the CJ. In other words, the resolution was not fake and not illegal.

a.   It is also worth noting that the RCAO was created by the SC in 2008 when CJ was not yet with the High Court. It was also in that year when the SC decided to grant the CJ the authority to implement the RCAO.

6.   Complaint: The CJ allegedly falsified a resolution on a case involving COMELEC.

a.   One of the powers vested on the CJ is the authority to issue TROs when the SC is not in session. In other words, there is no truth to the allegation that she falsified her own TRO.

b.   Two SC justices submitted their recommendation in relation to the TRO. One was Justice De Castro, who was assigned to the case and the other was Justice Reyes, who happened to be handling a similar case. Remember: WHAT THE TWO JUSTICES GAVE WERE ONLY RECOMMENDATIONS, AND UNDER THE RULES, THE CHIEF JUSTICE IS NOT OBLIGATED TO FOLLOW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS.

Nevertheless, the CJ decided to issue a TRO – which was also recommended by Justice Reyes – after a careful review of the case.

7.   Complaint: The CJ allegedly falsified the resolution “directing” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to submit a complaint affidavit against four trial court judges.

a.   There was no resolution “directing” the Executive Secretary. What the SC issued was a resolution “inviting” authorities to file a complaint and provide further information against the judges. In other words, this allegation twisted the details and circumstances surrounding this particular case.

b.   There is only one version of the said resolution, and it was signed by all the SC justices. However, the SC Public Information Office (PIO) released a draft in which the word used was “direct,” instead of “invite.”

c.   The PIO has been accustomed to releasing parts of the SC rulings and voting results, although these were not yet signed by the justices. In this particular case, the draft had already been announced by the PIO when Justice Carpio proposed to replace the word “direct” with “invite.” The proposal was seconded by other justices, and it was the final version that had the signature of the justices.

8.   Complaint: The CJ allegedly manipulated and sat on the resolution of request of DOJ Secretary Aguirre

a.   The SC raffle sheet clearly showed that the case was assigned to the CJ. In other words, the allegation that she took away the case from Justice Tijam is false.

b.   The CJ also did not delay the resolution and did only the right thing. She coordinated with the DOJ, AFP and PNP because the choice of detention facility for members of the Maute group had national security implications.

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