MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte called on Filipinos to reflect on the passion and death of Jesus Christ and to imitate His “selfless service and humility in the face of various trials.”
“This sacrifice marks the ultimate demonstration of love in laying down one’s life for the salvation of mankind,” Duterte, who claims to be without religion, said in his Lenten message yesterday before leaving for a weeklong visit to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.
Christians are observing Lent this week.
In his message,Duterte exhorted Filipinos to observe the virtues of kindness and benevolence Christ exemplified.
“Amidst uncertainties and difficulties, the way of the cross is our firm assurance that goodness and truth will always prevail,” he said.
“Let the story of the crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society,” he said.
He pointed out the Lenten season should also inspire solidarity. “Despite our differences as individuals, may we always choose to embody compassion as Christ has personified,” he said.
His spokesman Ernesto Abella, meanwhile, said the President has been briefed about the preparations of various government agencies for the exodus of people to the provinces and abroad this Holy Week.
“We have in place Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2017,” he said.
The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued 1,153 special permits to bus operators to accommodate the increase in the number of passengers. It is now inspecting buses to ensure their roadworthiness. It has also set up help desks at terminals.
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has deployed additional personnel at toll plazas where traffic buildup is expected.
If toll plaza queuing stretches to 500 meters, additional entry/exit lanes, as well as reversible or counter-flow lanes, would be opened.
Abella also said the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will assist the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in managing queues at immigration counters.
A MIAA management team has been on duty since April 8 to ensure smooth passenger flow.
In Cebu, the Mactan, Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) also created a task force to direct its security and safety operations during Holy Week.
The Airport Police Division was placed on red alert status and various information and public assistance counters were also opened.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has been conducting a nationwide random inspection of passenger ships since April 7 and is strictly enforcing the “no overloading” policy, among other safety measures.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has also directed port managers, cargo handling operators and passenger terminal building operators to ensure maximum security, safety and convenience of passengers.
Moreover, the Philippine National Police PNP has deployed 75,000 police personnel on the ground to ensure the safety and security of the public during the Holy Week and the summer season.
“At the end of the day, the President wants results,” Abella said.
“Setting things in place and ensuring proper and efficient functioning and coordination of the agencies are but the initial steps of the entire process,” he said.
“Ultimately, his satisfaction can only be measured by the extent that the public’s safety and convenience are facilitated and guaranteed by the government,” Abella added.