“(This) generation’s greatest crime was to rob the people, particularly the youth, of the assurance that righteous principles are worth every sacrifice and that moral values must exist in life.”Such was written in the letter of the De La Salle Brothers in the Philippines regarding the ‘disturbing’ political situation the country is facing.
Anteceding their calling in 2005, encapsulated in “Restoring Faith in Democracy,” the Brothers voiced out a more desperate cry through a letter addressed to all the members of the Philippine Lasallian Family, November 30, 2007.
It was posted in the official website of De La Salle Lipa, December 5, anteceding the letter from the Bro. Visitor, Edmundo Fernandez, FSC.
Rather than the government, they now calling the people to act, “It is visible through their letter that due to the government’s lack of motive and action, the change people seek for depends on the people themselves.”
The Brother’s strong disapproval on how moral degeneration reigns over the country is embedded in the said letter.
Hence, they have protested against the deterioration of morality in subject to the social and political controversies surrounding President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her administration. .
For them, moral ascendancy is a ‘critical ingredient’ to effective governance; in effect, ‘a leadership without the influence of morality and principles cannot gain the respect and
admiration of the people.’
The strong calling in “Restoring Faith in Democracy” was also readdressed in the letter - that without truth, honesty, justice and integrity, no government can be trusted. This, according to them, then results to governance that leads to corruption and threats.
Additionally, they enumerated and pointed out the situations which they were ‘alarmed and ashamed’ of — the violence against leftists, journalists and media practitioners; the aborted ZTE-NBN deal and the fertilizer scam; the large amounts of cash distributed in brown bags to some lawmakers at Malacañang just as impeachment moves were being initiated; concerted efforts among some lawmakers and government officials to block attempts at establishing truth and securing accountability; and the corruption of the electoral system.
As a response, the Lasallian Brothers called out for the people to work as one in bringing the country peace and to teach the youth that what is occurring now is wrong; “Teach the youth that whatever they do, they answer to God.”
The Brothers admitted that the said letter may be “no more than a voice crying out in the wilderness.” But nevertheless, they still expounded on the things that the people, regardless of status, should do and should not do.
They addressed many, suggesting what must be done and what must be taught. First, they advised that Filipino workers demand more from the government. According to them, these people must insist transparency when it came to government business transactions. “Look after every centavo [you] pay to the government.”
Secondly, they declared that artists are the ones responsible for creating a culture supportive of truth, justice and respect for human dignity. Apparently, these artists should focus on the task of creating works and words which help people know what is best for them.
The Lasallian Brothers also acknowledged the military and the police’s sacrifices in service of the nation. They begged the men in uniform never to fail in protecting human rights and defending the Constitution. However, the condemnation of military adventurism, such as the recent coup d‘etat in the Manila Peninsula, and the inconsistence of the military in implementing freedom at all times.
They also plea that government servants resist the culture of corruption. Instead, they encouraged them to help build a ‘future filled with hope for the youth.’
Lastly, the brothers challenged the Lasallian alumni to ‘make a difference with what is happening in the society.’ Living with the mission of every Lasallian and with the garnered education from La Salle, these people are strongly reminded to do something in order to make a difference in the society.
They were asked to imitate alumni Jose Diokno who once said that “a free nation, where men and women and children from all regions and with all kinds of talents may find truth and play and sing and laugh and dance and love without fear.”
In conclusion of their statement and letter, they included in it a prayer that asked for the strength and wisdom to do what is right and to grant them the courage and humility to face the challenge of making a difference in the community.
The letter was conceived during part 2 of the 13th District Chapter assembly, Nov. 1 – Dec. 29, 2007 of the De La Salle Brothers of the Philippine District.
Photo taken from DLSP Media Bureau Archives
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