MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Nancy Binay on Tuesday rescheduled a Senate hearing set this week to let herself and Filipinos reflect on the lessons left by Pope Francis.
Binay said she decided to reset the start of the Senate probe on the government's conditional cash transfer (CCT) program so that Filipinos may be given time to ponder the message imparted by the pontiff, who concluded his five-day state and apostolic visit to the Philippines on Monday.
"We express our heartfelt gratitude to Pope Francis who has taken time to be with the Filipino people. During his visit, he taught us about the importance of mercy and compassion. It is in this light that I suggested that we instead use this time to reflect on the words of our Holy Father," Binay said.
"Napakaimportante po ng naibahagi sa ating aral ng mahal nating Santo Papa kaya naman sana ay maglaan tayo ng panahon upang ito ay alalahanin at isapuso. Unahin po natin ang kapakanan ng mga bata at kababaihan na madalas ay hindi napagtutuunan ng pansin," she said.
The first Senate hearing was set to be held on Thursday but Binay said the Senate committee on social justice, welfare and rural development will instead discuss proposed bills that would establish a task force to handle cases of neglected children.
For Binay, the pontiff wants lawmakers to tackle measures that promote peace, inclusiveness and the welfare of the children and the poor.
"Mainam na mapagusapan agad kung papano matutulungan 'yung mga inabandonang mga sanggol at kabataan dahil sila ay nangangailangan ng ating tulong," she said.
With the theme "Mercy and Compassion," Pope Francis dedicated his first trip to the Philippines to the poor and marginalized. In a speech after a meeting with President Aquino, he denounced the corruption that has robbed the poor of a dignified life.
Interestingly, Binay's family is being investigated for allegations of corruption in Makati City. Her father, Vice President Jejomar Binay, has been accused of amassing ill-gotten wealth including a sprawling agriculture estate.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry into the allegations against the Binays will resume on Thursday.