Bishops bare birthday wishes for Aquino

MANILA, Philippines—On President Aquino’s 52nd birthday on Wednesday, some Catholic bishops wished him wisdom to recognize God’s will, trust in others “gifted with true leadership” and a wife that would bring joy to “his lonely heart.”

While the President declined to make a wish for his birthday to avoid “any frustrations,” some Catholic bishops, some of whom are his critics, were kind enough to send him well wishes and prayers.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco on Wednesday said his birthday wish for Aquino was for him to strive as a good leader “by praying, listening and trusting in the Lord and to others who have the gift of leadership.”

“May God grant him wisdom to know what really the Filipino people need and the strength to provide the nation total and enduring goodness,” Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles told reporters in a phone interview when sought for his wish for the President.

He also hoped that Aquino would listen more to the people “instead of being dictated by foreign interests.” Arguelles, however, did not elaborate.

For his part, Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez said he hoped Aquino would be able to realize God’s will for him and abide by it.

Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes said he wished that the bachelor President would be enlightened by the Holy Spirit and given the gift of wisdom “so that like King Solomon, he may know how to distinguish between right and wrong.”

He also hoped that Aquino would understand that the reproductive health bill, which is being staunchly opposed by the Catholic Church, “is evil.”

“And may he have a wife to gladden his lonely heart,” added Bastes, alluding to what seemed to be the President’s budding love life. Earlier, Aquino admitted that he was dating Korean radio-TV personality Grace Lee.

The President spent his birthday on Wednesday visiting victims of the deadly quake that rocked Negros and Cebu on Monday and inspecting damaged areas.