Aquino: ‘Love our fellowman’

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday exhorted Filipinos to be selfless like Christ, saying the country has managed to rise from a nine-year-long “fall” under the Arroyo administration by following His example.

“As followers of Christ, it’s only proper that we follow his good example. Nothing surpasses the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. If, at all, because of his noble sacrifice for our salvation, he’s asking a little favor from us—love and take care of our fellowman. Are we going to deny Him this?” the President said in his Lenten message.

As a nation, Filipinos have accomplished a lot along the path of unity, charity and compassion for others, the President said.

“It’s not impossible to rise from a nearly decade-long fall, it’s not a long shot (suntok sa buwan) to glimpse development, especially for the most needy of our countrymen,” he said.

“Through the guidance of Christ, we have shown the power of prioritizing the welfare of our countrymen over personal interest,” he added.

“This Holy Week, when Filipino Catholics mark the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, we should remind everyone of the value of being a torch to others, and of the light that His suffering brings to the whole country,” Mr. Aquino said. TJ Burgonio