FILE / Bishop Gerardo A. Alminaza Facebook page
BACOLOD CITY — A Catholic bishop based in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental lamented President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s lack of clear directions and comprehensive plans to address the country’s economic woes immediately.
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, in a statement released on Tuesday, October 11, said the country’s top executive did not even give a formal report of “accomplishments” in his first 100 days in office.
“But while the plans and priorities of this administration remain unclear and unreliable, what is certain is that the needs of the Filipino people require nothing less than urgent action,” he said.
Alminaza said a most recent report from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows a rise in unemployment and the price of basic commodities.
“Where the President seems to show most enthusiasm is in wasteful spending in blatant exhibitions of lavish living — joining parties, junkets, extravagant dinners abroad, and Formula One Singapore trip. The flaunting of privilege coupled with the lack of decisive action to curtail economic hardships experienced by ordinary Filipinos is both insensitive and unchristian,” Alminaza said.
“There is power in unity and solidarity. But without a clear people-centered vision and the decisive leadership necessary to take us there, we can only be united in poverty and hunger. We demand no less from the President of the Philippines and his administration. And 100 days without solutions to our country’s urgent needs is 100 days too long,” he added.
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