Duterte’s Lenten message: Strive to uphold what is good and just

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte prepares to sign the 2019 General Appropriations Act at the Malacañan Palace on April 15, 2019. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has called on Filipinos to “strive to uphold what is good and just” as the nation commemorates the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ this Holy Week.

Addressing the predominantly Catholic country, Duterte reminded Filipinos how “our strong faith in God has contributed to our resiliency as a nation, especially during trying times.”

“May this blessed occasion be an opportunity for prayer and reflection as we strive to uphold what is good and just,” he said in his Lenten message.

“Let the spirit of this commemoration inspire us to rekindle our commitment to serve our people, especially those who are most in need,” he added.

“With guidance from Christ’s sacrifice,” he urged Filipinos to “work towards the attainment of our noble aspirations for the nation.”

“I trust that the virtues of faith, hope and charity will continue to drive all our effort in nation-building,” he noted.

Malacañang has earlier said Duterte would spend the Holy Week break in his hometown Davao City.

The Palace has declared April 18 (Maundy Thursday) and April 19 (Good Friday) as regular holidays and April 20 (Black Saturday) as a special non-working day. /kga