Duterte’s ‘Undas’ message: Answer call to be true servant-leaders

President Rodrigo Duterte. AP FILE PHOTO

Saying that “our deeds will outlast our mortal lives,” President Rodrigo Duterte has called on government workers and the Filipino people to “heed not the temptations of the temporal world,” in his message for the commemoration of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.

“No amount of success, power or position can ever compensate for the greed and corruption of human character. Truly, Christ was right in asking the question: ‘For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his own soul?'” Duterte said.

“Let us answer the call to be true servant-leaders; let us accumulate riches, not for ourselves, but for future generations and for the life that comes after.”

Duterte wished the faithful a “solemn and meaningful” remembrance of their deceased loved ones. Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day, is a special nonworking holiday in the Philippines.

“With a keen appreciation for the material treasures that bring us closer to God, let is continue to pursue an agenda for genuine change that will be for the best interests of our people,” he said.

“I hope that we cherish with fondness, love, and gratitude the spiritual inheritance left by our ancestors and loved ones on their special day. May the nation receive the blessing of God as we emulate the men and women whose lives have inspired generations,” the President added. JE/rga