Don’t throw away people’s trust, Tagle urges politicians

Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle gives his testimony the 4th day of the International Eucharistic Congress in Cebu City, where around 12,000 participants gathered to promote centrality of the Eucharist in Christian life. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

CEBU CITY—Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle slammed on Thursday politicians who are betraying the people’s trust and becoming part of the “throw-away culture.”

“Trust is a gift from God. Show it in your service,” Tagle said, urging politicians to break the throw-away culture emerging among our elected leaders.

He said materialism and being individualistic had corrupted the culture of giving and sharing.

“Being in politics means you have earned the trust of people. When you were elected, you have been given the gift of trust of the people. Don’t throw away that trust,” Tagle said in a press conference here on Thursday.

Tagle hit how politicians have become part of the throw-away culture, which had been condemned by Pope Francis himself.

“Politicians, will you throw away people’s taxes for your parties and shopping, or guard them as gifts for social service?” he said.

The cardinal also pointed out the widespread bribery and corruption in government and even in businesses.

He said these practices are unacceptable to the Christian life.

“Bribing and corruption is not part of Christian culture,” he said.

The prelate also warned Christians in dealing with people whose values are against the Christian life.

“We should avoid cultures with widespread acceptance but are incompatible to Christian values,” he said.

Speaking to around 15,000 Christian delegates from 71 countries, Tagle seemed to have moved many with his catechesis as “Cardinal Tagle” became the fourth trending topic on Twitter on Thursday. RC