Cardinal Advincula on mass gatherings: Don't let emotion prevail over reason

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula on Saturday urged the faithful to be vigilant when receiving information and participating in mass gatherings amid a massive corruption scandal gripping the country.

"Our nation currently faces a deep moral and spiritual crisis, marked by issues of corruption and mistrust in institutions. In these challenging times, we, the people of God, are often inundated with a deluge of information from various sources, especially through social media. This constant barrage can lead to confusion, division, and a weakening of our moral compass if we are not vigilant," Advincula said in a pastoral statement.

"In moments of mass gatherings and public discourse, we do not let emotion prevail over reason. We must always adhere to the rule of law and resist any calls for extra-constitutional means to solve our problems," he added.

Advincula urged the faithful to "be wise, critical, and discerning" when it comes to receiving information, saying the "virus" of lies and disinformation—which some called a "pandemic of lies"—can deter the public's capacity to determine truth.

The Manila Archbishop's call comes on the eve of anti-corruption rallies scheduled for Sunday, November 16, including a three-day protest action by the Iglesia ni Cristo religious group which will last until November 18.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy over 16,000 law enforcers to ensure the safety of the INC rally alone. The PNP's National Capital Region Police Office has been placed under full alert ahead of the event.

His call also comes amid successive video messages by former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, a central figure in the flood controversy, implicating President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the latter's cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, to the alleged payoffs. Co has teased that there would be at least a third part to his supposed "tell-all."

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Saturday urged Co to return to the Philippines so he may substantiate his claims.

For his part, Advincula called on the public to verify information and avoid sharing details that are not authenticated. 

"Let truth be our standard," he said.

Advincula appealed to those in the military, police force, and public service to be faithful to their oaths to the Philippine flag and the country, "and not to any particular personality."

He said the challenges faced by the country demand a spiritual response through personal and institutional conversion, and that Filipinos should seek national renewal and collective action against societal ills.

"We join the rest of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in the call for a sustained supplication for mercy and renewal through prayer and concrete action for the common good," he said.

"Let us pray for our beloved Philippines, for integrity to prevail, truth to be revealed, and justice to be served," he added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News