Lagdameo: Filipinos still enslaved by poverty, injustice, corruption
Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo said that while the country celebrated the 110th anniversary of its independence yesterday, the people are still enslaved by poverty, injustice and graft and corruption.
"The celebration of Independence Day would be more meaningful if it means there is freedom from poverty, ignorance, homelessness, insecurity, graft and corruption. This the true way to celebrate independence day," Lagdameo said in an interview Wednesday night.
In a CBCP statement, the prelate said that while the country may be free from foreign control, the people still suffer from unemployment, lack of education and health insecurity.
"Our people are enslaved by their fellow Filipinos because of injustice and graft and corruption," he said in his statement.
While he the government has taken notice of the plight of the people through "pro-poor projects," Lagdameo said the government should focus on long-term measures in solving the various crisis such as the high prices of oil, rice and other basic commodities.
"Our government is setting aside a great amount of money for dole outs... but these are good only for temporary relief... More permanent help should be given to the poor," he said in the interview.
At the same time, he urged the people not to depend solely on government in confronting the crisis.
"We should encourage the people to help liberate their neighbors (from) poverty and hunger in their own level without anymore waiting for the government or some other people to help them," he said.
The prelate said the government announcement declaring a freeze on tuition increases should be pursued and fully implemented because of the increase in prices of rice and other commodities.
In his statement, Lagdameo reiterated the CBCP's call to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program.
But he said the release of funds should be put on hold until reforms and support services for farmers are put in place. "The funds may be spent even before CARP is implemented."