Statement of the Ecumenical Bishop’s Forum
At a time when the rallying cry is for this country to “Heal as One” the latest action to order the closure of a major television network that has, arguably perhaps, a wide reach to many parts of the country more than any other network does not bode well in support of the national call.
The Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF) expresses profound dismay and disappointment over the shutdown imposed on the television network on May 5. Profound dismay because devoid of the legal and political rhetoric that abound what is true is that many people are deprived of a source of information from the capital. Profound disappointment because the action polarized further the people of this country. Woefully, this social divide has increased antagonism.
The EBF says enough of this deliberate plot to further acrimony or hostility now wreaking havoc on our social fiber. Let us begin to “HEAL AS ONE”. Those in positions of civil authority should lead the process.
We do not only live in the present. We have a future to be accountable to, as it is often said, the people of the present merely borrowed the present from future generations. We cannot go on with dissension after dissension as we are doing now. The deprivation of a significant source of information from the centers for many people in remote parts constitutes a further denial of people to be informed.
We urge Congress not to pander anymore. Act with dispatch on bills gathering dust on your agenda. You owe it to the public. Meanwhile, in recent days we have also witnessed major segments of our population rising up against abuses. May we who yet survive COVID-19 rise towards a uniting and healing nation.
Issued and Signed on this day 9th May 2020
Sgd.
MOST REV. BISHOP EMERITUS DEOGRACIAS S. INIGUEZ, JR.
Co-chairperson, Ecumenical Bishops Forum
Divine Shrine Parish, Marilao, Bulacan
Sgd.
THE RT. REVD. REX. B. REYES, JR.
Co-chairperson, Ecumenical Bishops Forum
Episcopal Diocese of Central Philippines
Sgd.
BISHOP JOEL E. TENDERO
General Secretary, Ecumenical Bishops Forum
UCCP South Luzon Jurisdictional Area
