Good Morning Judge: Quo Vadis, President DU30

THE latest tirade of President Rodrigo Duterte on the Catholic Church and other religious organizations over his “stupid God” remarks has sent chilling effects on many Filipinos. The remark has offended many of our countrymen. Jesus is Lord Christian church founder Bro. Eddie Villanueva did not mince words when he reportedly called the remark as “blasphemy in the highest order.” One critic was said to have observed that perhaps the President should be the first patient to undergo treatment under his newly passed Philippine Mental Health Law. Other church leaders are more tamed in their rebuke. Thus, Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishops Socrates Villegas was said to have exhorted the faithful to “choose to love” Mr. Duterte and even “pray for him with compassion.” Bishop Alberto Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran in Bohol province was quoted to have appealed to parishioners “to pray for healing so that the President’s heart could be healed.” The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) also called on evangelical Christians “to keep praying for Mr. Duterte and his administration ‘to be able to lead our nation with knowledge, wisdom and righteousness that come from God.” I am just wondering how the late Cardinal Vidal Sin would have reacted if he were alive today. Would he have called for another rally along Edsa? Despite the public outrage, President DU30 has reportedly remained unapologetic although he was reported to have formed a three-man committee to dialogue with the Church and other religious groups to mend the rift. Last June 19th last week, the City of Naga fittingly observed the 157th birthday anniversary of our national hero Gat Jose Rizal in a ceremony held in front of the City Hall where a “bantayog” of our foremost hero stands. Vice-Mayor Nelson Legacion led the city officials in the celebration in the absence of incumbent Mayor John G. Bongat who is reportedly on official trip abroad. Representatives from various public and private schools in Naga and other civic organizations like the Knights of Rizal were in attendance. TRIVIA: Belated congratulations to Rev. Fr. Louie Occiano who celebrated his Nth birthday anniversary last June 21. Congratulations also to the newly elected officers of the Knights of Rizal for Rizalian Year 2018-2019 to wit: Sir Eufronio K. Maristela, Chapter Commander; Sir Errol Delina, Deputy Chapter CommandeR; Sir Marcelino Salto, Chancellor; Sir Lorenzo Caroche, Exchequer; Sir Virgilio Salvador Pursuvant; Sir Isidro Arquiza, Deputy Pursuvant; Sir Randolfo Velasco Archivist; Sir Julio Oliva, Auditor; Sir Salvador Cajot, Sir Simeon Adan, and Sir Errol Delena, Council of Elders. Through this column I wish to express in my own behalf and that of my spouse Minda our most sincere and deepest condolencesto the family of the late Sir Knight Zosimo Rayala who passed away after a lingering illness. The necrological services will be held today, June 28, at 7:00 pm at the Imperial Funeral Parlor along Penafrancia Avenue. All officers and members are encouraged to attend in their formal K of R Barong Tagalog. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK: “THE REAL SECRET OF STAYING YOUNG IS TO LIVE HONESTLY, EAT SLOWLY AND LIE LIKE HELL ABOUT YOUR AGE.” FRANCOIZ MITTERAND FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE: “THE PEOPLE WHO WALKED IN DARKNESS HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT; UPON THOSE WHO DWELL IN THE LAND OF GLOOM A LIGHT HAS SHOWN,” ISAIAH 9:1