“A Letter to Churches, church leaders, and faithful”

 “A Letter to Churches, church leaders, and faithful”

by Bishop Antonio Nercua Ablon,

 Philippine Independent Church 

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 

As we celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter, let us take a moment to reflect on the world situation that we find ourselves in. It is no secret that we are faced with many challenges, including war, economic poverty, security concerns, and the protection of the environment. These issues are affecting people in every corner of the world and require urgent attention and action.

In times like these, it is important that we turn to our faith and draw strength and hope from the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through His sacrifice and triumph over death that we are reminded of the power of love, compassion, and selflessness. As Christians, we are called to emulate these virtues and be a light in the darkness.

The world is currently experiencing a number of conflicts and wars that have caused immeasurable suffering to innocent civilians. As followers of Christ, we must work towards peace and reconciliation, promoting dialogue and understanding between different nations and peoples. We must also advocate for the protection of human rights and the dignity of all people.

Economic poverty is another major issue that affects millions of people around the world. We must work towards creating a more just and equitable society, where everyone has access to the basic necessities of life. This includes promoting fair trade practices, providing education and job opportunities, and advocating for the rights of workers.

Security is also a major concern in many parts of the world. We must work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all, promoting social justice and the rule of law. This includes addressing the root causes of violence, such as poverty and inequality, and investing in education and conflict resolution programs.

Finally, the protection of the environment is an issue that affects us all. As stewards of God's creation, we must work towards preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. This includes reducing our carbon footprint, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for policies that protect our natural resources.

In closing, let us remember that as Christians, we have a responsibility to love and serve others. Let us pray for those who are suffering and for those who are working towards creating a better world. May the joy and hope of Easter inspire us to be agents of change and bring about a brighter future for all.

Yours in Christ,

 + Antonio

“There are still battles to fight on.”

“There are still battles to fight on.”

If only for that, people will always remember the battles of Bataan and Corregidor and the men, both Filipino and American, who made it so. This story of valour is a drama of guts and glory, of battle hardened men standing up to impossible odds, of a surrender turned into a triumph if not the chance of a renewed will to resist - in the most heroic fight, in the view of history, this side of World War II. This narrative is not complete, though. But it is also the tale of a relationship between two peoples and two countries, that made one described as "Strong enough to bear the challenges of war," and "rich in living ideas to confront the many and severe difficulties of peace." 

 However, this commemoration doesn’t stop in remembering the struggles of those who fought, died, surrendered and endured hardships in the prison camps, or escaped and continued resisting with all their lives till victory. And now with today’s existing and emerging imperialists with scrupulous agendas, and of corrupt bureaucrats and despots trying to oppress the folk, this note would say that then as now that the spirit of Bataan, Corregidor, or earlier ones like Tirad Pass or in San Juan shows that those who swore to defend freedom, despite facing pain and suffering while resisting did not die in vain. 

 And such actions would say leaves a lifelong commitment, or should say an unfinished business like that struggle as necessary for a country and all nations that value freedom to continue to grow and endure. The painstaking task of nation building that includes acceptance of sacrifice, of seeking truth from facts, of valuing a nation’s freedom and the people’s desire for justice, even in this modern day world of skyscrapers and state of the art gadgetry. 

 Perhaps, how may people express their thanks to those who defend Bataan and Corregidor in this day of valour? Given that they spilt their blood (among other things) to maintain the nation's "patrimony" for future generations? For sure some will answer the ideal such as promoting development in the province as well as ensuring the welfare of surviving veterans and its descendants, while others shrug it as if history is meant to be forgotten. But, even in this modern day setting that there are still battles to fight on- a battle against poverty, illiteracy, injustice from within and without; these battles would say that no matter it is protracted so long as the people take part in this battle then this will not end in vain as what those who fought and died decades ago.

“Shit happens”.

“Shit happens”.

“Shit happens”. These were the words a former cop turned legislator said in facing the media about the actions brought by those upholding the law some years ago. Their actions, no matter how controversial it would be did reflect the current stance people find it terrifying from its onset while its supporters described it as a brand of deterring crime and terror. 

And this continue to resonate still even in this present regime. With same people still in power, it’s been years passed since the regime tries to justify its controversial actions as that of “justice” and restoring “order”. Yet after events which have had such a wide and deep repercussion especially towards concerned folks, these occurrences still made people worry especially when seeing its fanatical supporters, all driven to support their idol right or wrong invoke fear against those who are truly concerned, trying to subvert democracy all in the name of their bastardised order and stability. 

 Be it “red tagging”, to that of extrajudicial killing, the current regime, just like its predecessor insist to the world first that these as an internal issue no matter how many innocents or those expressing concern, what more those who strongly disagree end harassed or outrightly killed, worse, to be justified in the name of curbing down crime or terrorism while claiming that the justice system or democracy itself in The country as thriving. 

 Indeed, the justice system is working, that democracy as thriving, but to see the corrupt and the wicked trying to distort just like in the past, all in the name of their “peace and order” as they “red tag”, harass, or silence those who truly concerned. Of course, they would claim these as driven by their zeal to upheld security of all people, but, how many violent crimes have been committed, even to the point of striking someone and causing blood to be drawn! How many slurs in or against the media, how many offensive remarks and deeds committed against those who express concern and opposition against unjust policies and actions? Of seeing innocents killed and be deemed as collateral damages in the name of war against drugs, crime, or terrorism? 

It is not surprising that the order will justify or deny people the truth as they insist their narrative. As they insist that life goes on, that their brand of progress and development thrives, that the reality of corruption and injustice thrives as they themselves benefited from the fear and poverty of the folk and its community. They cry rebellion as people increasingly becoming concerned over poverty and injustice, they cry crime as people saw the corrupt nature of those claiming to be law abiding, until when the folk remain mum in these truths? Of getting contented in their narratives that trying to hid the realities how poor and oppressed the country is? Blamimg the opposition for their make believe woes while theirs profited from their corruption? Their words trying to instil us their foolish belief that they make the country great again when its rottness is being seen throughout the year, yet as they appear to be “many” they claim to have the power back but not the hearts of those who wished to see their nation truly great- for instead they wanted those truly capable of serving the folk as they serve God rather than themselves and their interests: “But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten,” (Exodus 18:21).

If this is rebellion then so be it, those who are truly concerned about the nation cannot just stay mum and contented as they pray and work hard for themselves, their families, and their respective communities. It is on their faith in God and in their nation that diminishes the narratives of the corrupt. It tries to substitute for it the shifting sands of “human regulations”, sooner or later lead these individuals or societies to moral degradation.

But despite their words, this doesn’t diminish the people’s quest for truth and justice. The Lord Jesus promised that: “You will have affliction in this world, but take courage, I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). True maybe that the current regime this time tries to “mellow” its image just to appease the world, especially that it tries to curry favour to the developed countries for investments. But the people remains concerned, if not still having deep anxiety as apologists of the order tries to provoke fear against those who truly concerned about the country. And although true that people desired peace, the peace people felt also have experienced the truth of those mysterious words: "Behold in peace is my bitterness most bitter" (Isaiah 38:17).

“To follow Christ means to resist against corrupt and unjust”

“To follow Christ means to resist against corrupt and unjust”

It seems that the president is trying to appear holier than thou in this season of lent. Be it with his Ash Wednesday message last February to that of the recent Palm Sunday, Bongbong Marcos is trying to appeal to the people using their Christian faith, such as a call “to know Jesus Christ more” and to “better agents of change and conveyors of truth wherever we go.” 

He sounds almost Christian in his encouragement to people to reflect, if not rethink. But the realities of seeing the corrupt and oppressive within the rotten order make the concerned wonder if the president's message really affected him and his cabal—especially after not accepting responsibility for the bloody killings of drug war victims and activists, if not seeing his predecessor Duterte who left a legacy of huge foreign debt amounting to 13 trillion pesos, a $1.6 billion balance of payment deficit, and wholesale corruption. What's more, Bongbong Marcos appears to be sticking to the same neoliberal model for the benefit of the US-China imperialist masters while claiming to as patriotic as what his supporters insist about. 

Sorry if this note turns out to be less of a call for Christian greatness and more of a criticism against the order whose head urges to follow Christ; but his call for reflection doesn’t stop the corrupt from being corrupt, from oppressor from being oppressive. They would claim themselves as Christian as other Christians, but this doesn’t diminish the fact that they’re corrupt and oppressive. Until when people realise that to see corrupt and oppressive leader and followers prevail over that of the good? To seek truth, to serve people, in pursuit of following Christ is a commitment that makes one after another renew their faith despite hardship be it spiritual or societal. 

And although true that this season of Lent urges the folk to inspire by Christ’s love in order to endure and faithfully continue service to others, following Christ means to seek truth from facts, to expose and to oppose the wrongs, of serving wholeheartedly to the people, and to fight and build a just society as what the Lord intended. 

After all, right is the canticle is taken from the Gospel of Luke (1:46–55), that: “He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.” 

Amidst repression, injustice, and crisis: working women, rise up!

Amidst repression, injustice, and crisis: working women, rise up!

Warm greetings to all working women whose contributions brought significant changes in the society, and now in one with the masses in its struggle for better political, social and economic change.

 As every year the role of women in all spheres of life of society increases, this message may first sound ideal especially in a time old issues like exploitation, oppression, inequality, darkness and ignorance still continues to prevail even in this ever modern times- especially amid the rapidly worsening economic crisis marked by a sharp fall in standards of living of millions. That sweatshop labour, white slavery, low wages and less benefits, to that of harassments and various forms of injustices remains a problem towards women in particular and in working people in general. 

 But, this doesn’t hamper the growing struggle as various forms of actions, be it in the halls of congress to that of the streets demand fairness and justice at home, school, markets, and in the workplace: They must vehemently demand immediate rollbacks in the costs of fuel, food, and other necessities, as well as jobs, livelihoods, higher wages and better workplaces, land, the abolition of land rent, higher farmgate prices, lower taxes, a halt to complete import liberalisation, and other necessary actions. 

 Furthermore this day also commemorates women heroes who, with their contributions and sacrifices in the field outweigh their hardships and pain all in promoting and fighting for a just society where women contribute in all spheres. That with all their lives defending theirs and the people’s welfare and interests and resisting policies that worsen their oppression their heroism serves as an inspiration to many in the face of systemic oppression with its brazen acts of state terrorism in its desperation to silence the people and secure its power. 

 Hence, with their contributions these make way for women to rise up in greater numbers, of organising in communities and in workplaces, carrying just calls, and making way to a new and dynamic generation who will dutifully carry the torches of struggle all for national and social liberation.

“In solidarity with the Jeepney drivers against sham ‘modernisation’”

“In solidarity with the Jeepney drivers against sham ‘modernisation’”

Kat Ulrike

On this first day of the statewide transportation strike, this note stands with the people in support of the jeepney drivers. Drivers, operators, and even concerned commuters alike appeal to the government to heed their pleas not to take away their source of income but rather to rehabilitate their vehicles, restore their routes lost during the pandemic, and offer urgent and just support. 

From the start, the “Jeepney Modernisation Program” is an object of ridicule despite its supposed “benefit”. By claiming that the program would improve road-based mass transportation, this is obviously a corporate phase-in wherein interests in the transportation sector, in connivance with banks and self-proclaimed concerned public officials trying to exploit the situation, be it reasons of the environment, safety, “traffic” control, but obviously to rake profits and control routes if necessary. 

It's true that the drivers wanted a new, modern jeepney to replace that of the old ones, but given the high costs of each modernised vehicle and the fact that the drivers are primarily still recovering from the pandemic, they cannot afford these expensive vehicles, whereas commuters will pay more out of their own pocket when fares go up. Forcing to set up “cooperatives”, no matter it appears beneficial according to its supporters doesn’t suffice the problem, as drivers themselves still cannot afford 2.5-2.8 million worth of “modern jeepneys” even with measly-funded installments. 

Furthermore, the expensive vehicles made available by this modernisation program, the majority of which are minibuses from China, simply benefited the profiteers stated above using "modernisation" as an excuse, while undermining the ability of local jeepney assemblers to produce vehicles that meet the standards offered by the program, whether they be new safety standards or engine requirements. Companies like Francisco Motors, Sarao offered their own local alternatives, yet authorities continue to cling to their imported “alternative” that affects not just the driver, operator, and the commuter- but also the assembler who tries to improve the Philippines’s “king of the road”.

Supporters of the program may still cling to the thought that their concept of modernisation “benefit everyone” regardless of its problems, but the realities behind the program doesn’t stop the concerned from its prevailing worriness as drivers and operators, still trying to recover from the pandemic, wanting first to regain their lost franchises for their livelihood. 

And to think that this note supports the objective of giving people access to cost-effective, efficient, safe, secure, and efficient modes of transportation, this change must be open to everybody, just, and focused on people. Key stakeholders should be recognised by the government as collaborators in developing and executing programs, policies, and solutions linked to urban mobility. It is not sufficient to just confer with them on modernisation issues.

“Towards a sound transportation modernisation program that benefit all stakeholders”

“Towards a sound transportation modernisation program 

that benefit all stakeholders”

Thoughts on the recent Jeepney strike 

This note at first supports the struggles of the Jeepney drivers, operators, as well as passengers who supported the recent strike in response to the one-sided “modernisation plan”. 

The government has been adamant about modernizing public transportation, but they have forgotten that having modern, improved, clean and sustainable transportation should entail more than just having new and modern engines as well as better fleets. Such attempts without considering today’s state of jeepney drivers and operators, nor its inclusivity in its plan will simply lead to unemployment and loss of livelihood as well as lessen the number of public transport options to the commuting public especially at a time when the country is still reeling from the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. 

For both operators and drivers, as they are still attempting to recover from the recent coronavirus pandemic and want to regain their lost routes and franchises cannot afford to gain such expensive “modern” jeepneys. Furthermore, the increasing prices of oil and other commodities even hinder them from buying as such, forcing them to choose between immediate needs and thar of expensive “modern jeepneys” sponsored by bureaucrats and profiteers alike. The latter even insisted that drivers and operators alike should form cooperatives, but this doesn’t suffice the problem of resolving their livelihoods if not obviously making them exploited by interest seekers using jeepney modernisation as its alibi. 

Additionally, proponents of the modernisation program assert that they want to modernize mass transportation in order to provide clean transportation networks as aging jeepneys themselves are a source of smoke spewing and pollution. But the solutions they are putting forth simply do not deal with structural problems in the urban and transportation systems. They only represent a change from an older, polluting technology to a more modern one that benefits affording few at the expense of the have nots. 

True that both drivers and operators, as well as passengers wished for modern, safe, and improved mass transportation systems, and even see and hear their calls for inclusion in transport system planning. But this one sided, anti-poor “Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program” (PUVMP) doesn’t resolve but instead aggravate the problem regarding mass transport as it benefits entrenched interests- that even local jeepney assemblers, who willing to take part in a modernisation program are also sidelined in favour of importers whose expensive, imported “jeepneys” from China disregarded chances of improving, if not developing a still young local mass transport industry that’s beneficial to all stakeholders especially drivers and operators. 

Thus, in order to be effective and equitable, any plan to improve the transportation system must be a component of a larger effort to make the urban setting more livable, and people must be the primary focus of those efforts. All stakeholders should be included in such idea that’s driven by the desire to improve mass transportation without leaving behind vulnerable sectors. Urban mobility inequities should be addressed by exploring outside of the realms of technology, infrastructure, and even rules. As well as must consider on how to incorporate mobility equity into urban planning and development.