Palace shrugs off CBCP's absence in prayer meet for PNoy

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang on Monday downplayed the non-participation of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in the scheduled prayer gathering for President Benigno Aquino III and the nation.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said those who will not be present in the event to be joined by evangelical pastors will still be included in the prayers.

"Ang mahalaga naman dito ay iyong diwa ng pagdadasal at iyong diwa ng pagkakaisa para sa kapayapaan at iyong pagkakaunawaan ng mga Pilipino, na kahit naman iyong mga hindi mismong pisikal na naroon, kasama naman sila doon sa pagpapanalangin," Coloma said over radio DZXL-RMN.

"Kasama rin sila doon sa panawagan na magkaroon tayo ng pagkakaunawaan. Hindi naman po dahil wala doon ay hindi po kasali," he added,

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Coloma said the prayer gathering at the Palace grounds at 3 p.m. is aimed at achieving reconciliation and understanding among various sectors following the deadly January 25 operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda also said that the "event recognizes the power of prayer to strengthen and sustain us in the face of challenges, and provides the President with a moment of reflection to ask for the Lord’s guidance in future endeavors."

The event will be led by by Bro. Eddie Villanueva of the Jesus is Lord Movement and the Coalition of Christian Movements. Among those invited are Daniel Razon, president of the Church of God International; Bishop Leo Alconga, national vice chairman of the Philippines for Jesus Movement and East Asia director of Biblica Ministry; and Bishop Dan Balais, chairman of the Intercessors for the Philippines.

The advisory sent to media did not mention any member of the CBCP and El Shaddai's Mike Velarde as among those invited to the prayer gathering.

Some bishops had called for Aquino's resignation over his perceived ineptitude in handling the Mamasapano incident. The El Shaddai, on the other hand, had one member who turned out to be among the Special Action Force commandos killed in the covert police operation.

President Aquino will deliver a message and answer questions from various members of the evangelical groups, who will pray together for him and the nation.