VP Sara calls for prayers amid corruption, evil

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte urged the public to use the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day commemoration as an opportunity to pray not only for their departed loved ones but also for the country amid the challenges that she said were caused by the “evil” few who are only after their personal interests.

“Let us also pray for the peace and resilience of our country amid the challenges of evil, corruption and personal interest for wealth and power of the few,” Duterte said in her Undas message posted on her Facebook account.

Duterte and her family have been in a word war with President Marcos and his allies in the House Representatives.

She also enjoined the public to pray for the eternal rest of the souls of their dearly departed, and to always pay gratitude for the love, guidance and lessons that they left them.

“May the importance of remembering the saints and our departed loved ones be the heart of our celebration of the Undas,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Martin Romualdez called on the Filipino people to foster unity and compassion for a stronger, more caring Philippines as a way of honoring the legacy of saints and departed loved ones during the Undas season.

“As we come together on this sacred occasion of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, let us pause to honor the saints and the loved ones who have touched our lives, those whose spirit and memory continue to inspire us long after they have gone,” Romualdez said.

Reflecting on the significance of these days, Romualdez encouraged the Filipino people to use this remembrance as a source of strength for the future.

“This time of remembrance is not only about honoring the past but about drawing strength from it to build a future worthy of their dreams,” the Speaker said — Jose Rodel Clapano