Pangilinan, Querubin, Bato: Ash Wednesday is a call for renewed service

Senatorial candidates Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, retired military official Ariel Querubin and reelectionist Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa marked Ash Wednesday with renewed call to action and service amid the campaign period for the 2025 polls.

“As we begin the Lenten season this Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of the values of sacrifice, renewal, and compassion. The ashes on our foreheads symbolize humility and the fleeting nature of life—but they also serve as a call to action: to do good, to serve others, and to stand up for what is right,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

“Fasting is not just about abstaining from food. It is also an opportunity to make things right, to change for the better, and to stop doing what is wrong—especially the things that harm our people and weaken our nation. This season of reflection is a chance to renew our commitment to addressing the struggles of ordinary Filipinos—especially our farmers and fisherfolk, who work tirelessly yet continue to suffer from low prices, food insecurity, and government neglect,” Pangilinan added.

While the Lenten season for Catholics is about fasting, Pangilinan said no Filipino family should be forced to go hungry.

“ It is about sacrifice, but no farmer should have to sacrifice their dignity just to survive. And it is about renewal, which means ensuring long-term solutions that end the food crisis and uplift those who put food on our tables,” Pangilinan added.

Querubin said he feels that God has allowed him to survive near-death experiences in the past for a greater purpose.

“Ilang ulit muntik mamatay. Yung mga katabi ko, yung binawian [ng buhay] dahil sila ang [sumalo] ng bala para sa akin. Kapag [pinagninilaynilayan ko], siguro may gusto pang paggawa ang Lord,” Querubin, who visited Quiapo Church on Ash Wednesday, said.

(I have been on the brink of death many times. The people I am with died because they took a bullet for me. I have been reflecting, and I think God still wants me to accomplish something.)

“Buong buhay ko po ay inaalay ko na po para sa ating mahal na Panginoon, bayan, at sa tao,” Querubin, a retired Marine officer and Medal of Valor awardee, added.

(I have and will always dedicate my life to God, our country and our people.)

Dela Rosa, meanwhile, shared a message for the Catholic faithful on Ash Wednesday.

“Ngayong araw ng Miyerkules ng Abo, sama-sama nating ihandog sa Panginoon ang ating mga pagsasakripisyo at panalangin para sa kapatawaran ng ating mga kasalanan. Magdala rin sana ng biyaya ang panahong ito ng Kuwaresma upang makamit ang pagpapala, ang mas malalim na pananampalataya, at ang kapayapaan sa ating puso,” he said in a Facebook post.

(This Ash Wednesday, let us altogether offer to God our sacrifices and prayers for the forgiveness of our sins. May this season of Lent also bring in blessings, deeper faith, and peace in our hearts.) 

Meanwhile, senatorial bet Philip Salvador joined Senator Bong Go in his campaign sortie in Bohol. 

Go attended the blessing of the newly constructed Garcia Hernandez Municipal Gym.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Go expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the stakeholders behind the initiative, which will provide residents with a venue for various activities, especially events like the sports fest. —Llanesca Panti/Sherylin Untalan/Giselle Ombay/LDF, GMA Integrated News

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