Traslacion

‘Have some shame, step down’

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of members of the House of Representative and the Senate who allegedly received huge kickbacks from construction companies.

“In our country today, there are those who refuse to step down even though they made mistakes and got caught, even though they are causing hardship to the people, even though the poor are suffering, even though the country is being flooded and destroyed,” Sescon, bishop of Balanga, Bataan, said in his homily.

“Enough is enough. Have mercy on the people. Have some shame. Step down voluntarily in the name of mercy and love.” he said.

Sescon also backed the statement of Bishop Emeritus Antonio Tobias, who rebuked lawmakers and government officials over their alleged involvement in the massive corruption in infrastructure projects.

“Bishop Tobias is here. I will just follow what he said. Stop it. ‘It’s over. Have mercy on the people. Shame on you. You should voluntarily step down,’” Sescon added.

Just like Jesus who “stepped down” from his divine nature, Sescon urged officials: “Step down voluntarily in the name of love and mercy. Let us learn from the Jesus Nazareno who stepped down willingly in the name of love.

“If Jesus Nazareno stepped down to uplift us, we are also called to help uplift our nation, uplift our countrymen, uplift the dignity of each other. Step down from personal interest for the good of all. Step away from silence when there is oppression and trickery. Step away from apathy towards empathy to the nation. Step away from sin towards genuine change,” Sescon added.

Venus Lopez, a 62-year-old devotee who carried a replica of the Nazarene statue, made a similar call.