MANILA, Philippines – Let’s love each other. That was President Benigno Aquino III’s message to his detractors on Monday as he attended the launch of the Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) Philippine Arena.
“Meron pong iilan na anuman ang gawin ko, gaya nang pagdalo dito, ay maghahanap parin ng pwedeng batikos. Paalala ko lang sa kanila, kung kapwa ko kay Kristyano tungkulin nating magmahalan sangalan ng Panginoon sa halip na maghasik ng agam-agam at ‘di pagkakaunawaan,” Aquino said during his televised speech.
(There are some who will always find a reason to criticize me for anything I do, including my attendance here. Let me remind them, if we are fellow Christians it is our duty to love each other in the name of God instead of sowing doubt and discord.)
He was referring to a Bible passage he earlier quoted: John 13:34-35, which said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Aquino said it was expected that he would have enemies in his quest for reforms, adding that his critics should instead join his administration in doing good for the benefit of all.
The President is currently facing backlash for his defense of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) which was declared partly unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
His ratings are also at an all-time low amid allegations of corruption and misuse of government funds by lawmakers, as well as members of his Cabinet.
On Monday morning, another group is set to file an impeachment complaint against Aquino.
But his allies believe that it will not prosper because of his influence over the House of Representatives.
INC support
Aquino also enjoys large support from the INC, which endorsed him and then vice presidential candidate Mar Roxas during the 2010 elections.
“Maraming salamat po sa pagiging kabalikat ng administrasyon sa pagsusulong ng mabuting pamamahala,” Aquino told tens of thousands of members of INC inside what is believed to be the world’s largest domed indoor arena.
(Thank you for being a partner of the administration in pushing for good governance.)
The Philippine Arena could accommodate up to 55,000 people. Malacañang said about 50,000 INC members attended the event on Monday morning.
Throughout his speech, Aquino praised and thanked the INC for its contributions to the country and guidance of its members.
“Talaga naman pong ikinalulugod ko ang pagkakataong maging bahagi ng pagtitipong ito. Personal nga po nating sinusuportahan ang isang institusyong tulad ng Iglesia sa maalab na paghubog ng inyong mga miyembro bilang mga tapat na alagad ng ating Panginoon,” he said.
(I am truly happy to be given the opportunity to be part of this event. I personally support institutions such as the INC, which continuously guides its members into becoming faithful followers of God.)
Benefit the public
Aquino said he was grateful for the construction of the arena, which would benefit Filipinos.
INC minister Bienvenido Santiago said the Philippine Arena and the 50-hectare Ciudad de Victoria, where it is located, was envisioned as a sports and cultural hub, as well as a “potential tourism enterprise zone” not only for the members of the INC.
“Its world class amenities and conveniences are open to the Filipino nation,” Santiago said. However, he said the events that will be allowed in the complex should be based on “the wholesome Christian principles and values that the Church upholds.”
Among those who attended the event were INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, Vice President Jejomar Binay, former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Roxas, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino.
RELATED STORIES
Originally posted: 9:44 am | Monday, July 21st, 2014
