Philippine politics is like a dirty toilet
For Catholic priest and Pampanga Gov. Eddie "Among" Panlilio there is a need to reclaim God's place in politics as Philippine politics is now "like a dirty toilet which has to be cleaned." As such, he said there is a need to prepare lay people for good governance.
Panlilio, who spoke before more than a thousand delegates of the 2008 National Laity Week at Punta Villa Resort yesterday, stressed politicians have already driven away God from politics.
"They came on Sunday masses but on the following day, they forgot the value of the Gospel. They do not care about God anymore," he observed.
"They enter the toilet of politics and made it even messier instead of cleaning it. Thus, there is much to be done. It is an opportunity for the lay people to come in for good governance. There is a need to prepare the lay people to enter the field of politics and armed with a purpose to initiate good governance," Panlilio added.
He said the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has already issued several pastoral letters for good governance. Public officials, he said, should have a "leadership of good example" and have a simple lifestyle.
He admitted that he is at odds with the present administration. "They want to put a new wine into an old skin. A new wine should also be placed in a new skin. If you want to initiate change, you have to expect something new," Panlilio said.
Serving the people is not about politics, it is about the people you serve, governance, delivery of basic services, empowering the people and it is all about God. Entering a toilet of politics does not necessarily mean one will come out dirty, said Panlilio.
The priest turned politician stressed he still lives in his priestly values and Gospel driven values. It is important that one must have a spiritual guidance. The governor, who is facing a recall and recount cases in his hometown, said he will go for a vacation if he lost and return to his priestly life. I am a priest and will die as a priest, he said.
Meanwhile, CBCP President Msgr. Angel Lagdameo said this year's theme of the national laity celebration-- The Laity: Primary Agents of Change, Towards Honesty and Integrity for Good Governance--is very timely for the coming 2010 elections.
The country will have better leaders through advocacy in politics. It is a very long way to go. The education of voters and the people is a long process. The task is not rely on the shoulders of the church or the priest but to the lay people and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting. It needs the participation of all sectors to initiate advocacy to have good national leaders, said Lagdameo.