Home | To bottom

A pastoral statement of the UCCP Bishops on the confession of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

June 28, 2005

“Pinagsisisihan ko ito ng lubos. Pananagutan ko ang la/tat ng aklng mga ginawa (I fully regret this. I take full responsibility for my actions}” so declared by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as she finally broke her silence in view of the scorching issue about the wire-tapped conversation’ between her and a commissioner of Comelec at the height of May 2004 elections. With boldness and nerve, she faced the entire nation to confess the TRUTH -that indeed she betrayed the trust of the Filipino people. After such a blunt admission of an untenable blunder, she came out with a poignant plea for apology and indulgence in an evident attempt to appease the hearts of the very people she defrauded.

The President’s confession was no less than a testimony of imprudence and indiscretion -a forthright acceptance of ineptitude and clumsiness. By her own words, she declared her own vanity and ineffectiveness to be the forerunner of the Filipino people’s yearning for peace, unity and welfare. That the President herself concealed the TRUTH from the people makes her appeal for forgiveness bereft of honesty and candor.

We at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines look at these developments with sombre contemplation. As a community that firmly holds on to the evangelical faith, we are reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul to the Romans: “I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded.’” (Romans 16: 17-18)

As a Church that clings to the TRUTH of CHRIST, the UCCP cannot but cast doubt on the legitimacy of the leadership of President Arroyo as it is now palpably tainted with qualms and misgivings. Given her own admission, President Arroyo puts her moral ascendancy in question, and her disposition suspect. The highest office as the presidency deserves more than a person with tarnished integrity and distrustful reputation. The Filipino people ought to have a leader of wisdom and prudence, not one of haste and lapse in judgment.

Consistent with President Gloria Macapagai-Arroyo’s call to forge greater unity at this point, it would certainly do best for the entire nation if she relinquishes her post right away. For a President to admit before the people her misdeed is without doubt an act of courage, but to accept the urgency of resigning from the office she occupies is indisputably honorable and just. The Church can very well assure her forgiveness as God offers the same for those who humbly acknowledge their transgressions. Such forgiveness, nonetheless, does not necessarily exonerate the sin she committed against the Filipino people, unless justice is served.

It is indeed time for the Filipino people to join hands and firmly hold on to the truth because the truth, as Jesus vividly articulated, shall set us free. The truth has finally come out to show us the way to freedom. (John 8:32).

We, your Pastors, enjoin you to study these developments in your local churches and study circles, and make your own position on the matter. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds and guide us in our actions. Let us pray for true and righteous leaders who will lead our nation and people in accordance with God’s will. #

Home | Back to top