In Easter messages, lawmakers urge hope amid pandemic

Lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives believe that Christ's resurrection will bring renewed hope for Filipinos as the country continues to face the threat of COVID-19.

In his Easter Sunday message, Senator Sonny Angara reminded the public of the Lent's "timeless lesson": "After darkness comes light, from despair springs hope."

"With this as our guide, let us consecrate ourselves to the mission of ending the suffering in our midst, by faith in ourselves, in God, and in science to lead us out of this darkness and pandemic," he said.

"Our Holy Week reflection on sacrifice and selflessness should have invigorated us with the united vision and the moral resolve to end our calvary. Let us claim the coming days as the summer of our hope and the season of our resurrection," he added.

For her part, Senator Leila De Lima said Christ's triumph over death is a testament that "hope is always alive and the human spirit is indefatigable."

This, she said, is seen in the sacrifices of the frontliners, human rights defenders, and ordinary people who continue to serve the public despite their own hardships.

"In these dark times, while it is difficult to find light amid so much suffering, may we always remember that our story of salvation did not end with Christ’s death but with His resurrection. Good always triumphs over evil. Truth always prevails," she said.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, meanwhile, said that although Filipino Catholics were not able commemorate the Holy Week like they used to before the pandemic, there is still so much to be thankful for.

"We can reach out virtually to family and friends to offer encouragement. A simple act of kindness and compassion can give hope and comfort. This is also a good time to take care of ourselves and others, especially those in need," he said.

"As we celebrate the holiest of days on the Christian calendar—the resurrection of Jesus Christ who overcame death and the grave, and opens the door to eternal life—may we all be instruments in spreading love, hope and blessings in these trying times," he added.

This year's celebration of Eastern Sunday came at a time when the Philippines is experiencing a new surge of COVID-19 cases.

The National Capital Region and its surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna have been placed under enhanced community quarantine March 29, barring mass gatherings, including religious gatherings, throughout the Holy Week.

The ECQ period was supposed to be lifted on Easter Sunday, but it was extended for at least a week as cases continue to go up.

On Sunday, the Philippines logged 11,028 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total tally to 795,051. — BM, GMA News