GMA renews call for one-year moratorium on politicking

President Arroyo sought divine intervention yesterday as she prayed for unity and peace amid the global economic crisis, mass poverty and constant threats from terrorists.

Leading the inter-faith National Day of Prayer and Fasting at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, the President appealed to citizens and officials to finally heed her call for a one-year moratorium on politicking and bickering.

There was no mammoth crowd in this year’s National Day of Prayer as previous participants such as the Iglesia ni Cristo did not attend the affair. The bulk of the crowd was made up of members of the El Shaddai charismatic movement.

The President was joined in the prayer rally by former President Corazon Aquino, Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin and El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde. Also present were Cabinet members, led by Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr. , government officials and leaders of religious groups and non-government organizations.

The President delivered the Panalanging Bayan, which capped the four-hour rally, urging Filipinos to pray and fast to foster national unity in this time of crisis.

"Let’s pray to the Lord that politicians will unite and that we will forgo political partisanship," she said.

Billed as non-political gathering, the rally ended with Mrs. Arroyo joining hands with officials and guests on stage singing Bayan Ko.

We have become selfish – Bacani

The Catholic Church prayed for an improvement in the country’s socio, civic, political and economic situation, as they admitted that some of the nation’s leaders have used their political power for their own selfish interests.

"We became selfish. We have committed sins to God," said the Catholic Church’s Manila Auxiliary Bishop Teodoro Bacani, in his prayer at the rally.

Bacani, also a member of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), admitted that several of our country’s leaders, instead of serving as good examples and inspirations, have shown the country a bad example.

"They have become bad examples and have served as obstacles in our progress. And because they use their power for their self interest and those of their allies, now we are reaping the fruits of our mistakes," Bacani said.

The Catholic Church leader also asked God for forgiveness, as well as defend and save us from all our enemies."

"Give us the strong will to improve. Give us cooperation and unity. And give our leaders the light, a good heart and love for justice to serve as our guide in fulfilling Your will," said Bacani. - With Sandy Araneta