David calls for calm amid ‘tempting’ rash solutions vs corruption
MANILA, Philippines — Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, on Thursday called for calm anew amid “temptations” of rash solutions in response to the multibillion corruption scandal hounding the government.
In his homily for the third day of Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses), David said the faithful should follow the example of Joseph, husband of the Blessed Mother Mary, who trusted the will of God instead of acting rashly.
David cited Matthew 1:18-24, which described Joseph being initially bothered by Mary’s pregnancy, tempting him to have a quiet divorce until an angel appeared to him foretelling the birth of Lord Jesus Christ.
“Our country, just like Joseph, was put into a dark situation. Because of systemic corruption, which became a rife cancer, because of embitterment due to billions stolen from our coffers, in this dark situation, it is tempting to do rash actions.”
David’s remarks are a thinly-veiled reference to calls for a transition council and even a civilian-military junta by certain groups who want to oust both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.
READ: Ralliers sidestep junta, ouster moves vs Marcos
The groups calling for such moves link Marcos to flood control anomalies while throwing confidential fund irregularities and other issues against Duterte.
The Bishop of Kalookan, who previously noted that feelers approached clergymen inviting them to join the supposed junta, had already called for calmness as he expressed his disapproval of such extraconstitutional moves over fears that the country would turn into a “banana republic.”
Instead, David said the public should heed the “whispers” of an angel to remain calm, in a recurring reference to Joseph’s dream.
“When we are very confused, it is better not to make a decision, you might regret it. It is better to rest the mind and heart first, to hear the whisper of the angel,” David said.
“But I am not an angel,” David said, recalling that some people ribbed him after seeing a photo where he appeared to have wings when he stood in front of a winged angel statue. /das
