IN THEIR Christmas message to the Filipino people, senators wish and pray for healing, peace and unity for the entire country.
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III expressed hope that this Christmas will bring peace, justice and prosperity for all Filipinos and the community of nations.
"Christmas is a time for peace. Remember that our Lord always said: 'Peace be with you.' Hence, let us be at peace this Christmas: at peace with our God, with our religion and conscience, with our family and community, with our countrymen, our Asean region, and with the entire community of nations," Pimentel said.
He also urged the need for the whole nation to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s unilateral declaration of a ceasefire with rebel forces.
“At no time in four decades has our nation been closer to a long-lasting peace than now. Let us pray that we achieve this in 2017,” Pimentel added.
Senator Nancy Binay said it is high time that Filipinos rise to the challenges as she expressed hope that this Christmas will unite our nation and people will set aside political divisiveness caused by the recent elections.
“We also pray that a united Filipino nation will rise again - stronger and more persevering in the coming years. Naniniwala ako na kaya natin at magtatagumpay tayo,” Binay said.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri prayed for health, wealth, and peace for all Filipinos as he cited the Senate as a bastion of democracy working for the good of all Filipinos.
Senator Francis Pangilinan said that Christmas celebration is noted for its color, joy and cheer. However, he said that this year’s celebration is not as joyful as thousands have been killed in the government’s war on drugs.
Pangilinan asks the nation to ponder on the message of Christmas which is about love, humility and peace.
Senator Leila de Lima, for her part, said this Christmas is not just about a celebration for joy but also the time to sympathize for those families who have lost their loved ones because of extrajudicial killings.
“I wish for a Christmas miracle for the President to wake up on December 25, with full control of his faculties, and give the gift of the Nativity to the whole nation by respecting every Filipino’s right to live as they were born in the image of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Camille Balagtas/Sunnex)