The Philippine Online Chronicles

Dear President Noynoy,

Peace!

For the last nine years our country has been progressively sucked into the vortex of fear, apathy and cynicism thanks to an utterly corrupt and amoral leadership. This leadership has used everything within its means to destroy initiative; moral courage, clarity and endurance; liberating creativity and idealism. On the side, many of our people have become more and more prone to cheap and shallow entertainment, oblivious and indifferent to the burning issues. Many have become convinced that since nothing changes, they should not bother.

The energy and passion for change has been all but extinguished. Yesterday, as you were proclaimed, there was visible energy and passion not only in the halls of Congress but most especially outside. Your coming in as the new president seems to augur better times, or at the very least, signal the end of a dark chapter in our nation’s life.

The darkness comes from the gods of greed and selfishness. Thus, we pray that you will be an example of selflessness and generosity.

The darkness comes from ambition or the attachment to power. We pray that you reflect, pray and discern well and practice that important legacy of your Jesuit mentors, detachment.

The darkness comes from compromise which really is moral cowardice or the inability to choose right over wrong, good over evil. I pray that you be always brave, unflinching in your commitment to what is true, just and good.

The darkness comes from shallow as well as vicious propaganda that does not hesitate to lie, exaggerate and distort the truth to the advantage of its source. We pray that you will always speak the truth no matter how unpopular and inconvenient. Hold your ground. Do not fear your detractors. The truth, your strength, our strength, will always set us free.

The darkness comes from a hardened and stubborn system preserved and promoted by a culture of traditional politics patronized by countless members of the government. We pray that you may stand strong and firm before the system and its minions and remain mindful of its usual marginalized and disenfranchised victims, your poor kababayans.

This will not be easy. It will take sacrifice, which your parents knew well. It will take a lot of prayer and silence, which you yourself said will remind you that you do not know everything, which will always make you seek and be led by God. It is clear from what you said yesterday, how you see the importance of humble leadership, one with an open mind and a listening heart.

This, President Noynoy, is our prayer not only for you but for all of us. Let us fight the darkness that has engulfed and possessed this passing administration. May you and all of us always seek, find and live the light. Amen.

Fr. Roberto P. Reyes, Kubol Pagasa, June 10, 2010