With the country now in the middle of efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, House Minority Leader Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. on Monday urged the President to declare Sunday, March 22 as “National Day of Prayer” as a way to unify a country “that has always turned to faith in the darkest of times.”
The Manila lawmaker said: “Today we face an unprecedented public health crisis that will test our people and stretch our resources.”
“I urge President Rodrigo Duterte to declare this Sunday, March 22 a National Day of Prayer, to help unify the country in prayer.”
“History, however, has shown that the Filipino people have always overcome the challenges confronting them with resolve and faith,” pointed out Abante, who is also a pastor and the founder of the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church and Ministries.
“As government mobilizes its resources and rallies the people in efforts to prevent the spread of this disease, I urge President Rodrigo Duterte to declare this Sunday, March 22 a National Day of Prayer, to help unify the country in prayer and faith and to inspire all of us to set aside our differences as we confront a disease that threatens us all.”
According to Abante, while religious activities have been restricted as part of precautions to slow down the COVID-19 outbreak, “this does not mean we should stop praying for the safety of our families and our country.”
Guidelines issued by Malacañang on the enforcement of the enhanced community quatantine prohibit mass gatherings such as movie screenings, concerts, sporting events and other entertainment activities, community assemblies, and other non-essential work-related gatherings.
“The government needs the cooperation of everyone, and I believe religious leaders have an obligation to set an example for their flock in the days to come.