‘A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor.' (Proverbs
28. 16)'
God has given every person the gift of reason and understanding to
make sound judgment and decisions. It is a gift bequeathed to humankind
to advance their lot and pursue the progress of human society. Monsignor
Gregorio L. Aglipay has attested to this when he said that 'we are
born with the right to think freely and to express our thoughts according
to the light of reason which God has endowed us… as long as we
do not usurp the freedom of others and violate their rights'. Reason,
however, is in no way to be selfishly used by anybody to appropriate
undue profit for himself or herself.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's admission of committing a 'lapse
in judgment' by talking to a COMELEC official during the last elections
comprises an act of impropriety that casts doubts on the legitimacy
of her ascendancy to power. While President Arroyo asked for an apology
and pleaded for forgiveness, we believe that the Filipino people deserve
more than these. The people require her to step down from office as
just penance for the transgression she has committed. A president
whose mandate is being doubted and whose ascendancy to power are being
questioned has no moral authority to govern. The Filipino people,
above all, have the right to exercise their sovereign power over a
president whom they no longer trust.
We join the people's clamor for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
to resign from the presidency. In this time when our country is deeply
embroiled in crisis, what we need is a president with unquestionable
integrity and credibility, and whose competence to make rightful decisions
can never be compromised with a 'lapse in judgment'. The scripture
warns us that a leader who can compromise sound judgment for personal
gain cannot be trusted. 'A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel
oppressor' (Proverbs 28. 16).
We beseech the Almighty to give President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
the courage to face the consequences of her action, enough reason
to make a judicious decision for the good of the Filipino people,
and the goodness of heart to peacefully leave Malacanang.
Pro Deo et Patria.
+ THE MOST REVD GODOFREDO J. DAVID
Obispo Maximo
Iglesia Filipina Independiente
30th June 2005
