Sticker designed and produced by Pinoy Masons."TANZA, Cavite — Chief Justice Reynato Puno is to launch a moral crusade in view of an upsurge of support for his call for clean government. It will be a social movement with formal officers, including spiritual and lay leaders, but strictly no politicians. And its rollout will be before Holy Week, perhaps as early as March 27.
The fifth highest official of the land revealed all this to fellow-Masons who pressed him Saturday for prescriptions for the country’s decline. Institutions are breaking down, they had echoed the spreading fear. Puno replied that the Philippines might end up like other failed democracies. But moral resurgence can halt the slide.
Puno declined for now to name the movement leaders, saying only “there will be no more than ten.” Starting in Manila, they will form chapters nationwide. A think-tank of eminent persons will analyze the main issues and present solutions.
Later in a speech at the inaugural of Provincial Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco as head Mason of this town, Puno expounded on his moral drive. The family, school, church, media and government are decaying, he quoted recent reports. (Newspapers of late have been criticizing the co-opting of such institutions as Congress, judiciary, business, and the military.) “Our moral fiber is in tatters,” Puno noted. “Filipinos have become inured to corruption. We have become insensitive to immorality. Some have become so callous with their wicked ways.”
For Puno, the spark for moral regeneration “is right there in our Constitution.” The Preamble not only implores “the aid of Almighty God,” but also uniquely mentions “love” among the basic principles. (He credits the insertion of “love” to the late Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma, who headed the commission that framed the 1987 Constitution.)
In another address three weeks back, the Chief Justice had called for a “moral force” to direct the national course. This fired up sectors that have long been decrying the Arroyo admin’s corruption and attempts to prolong its tenure. Several groups then asked Puno to lead such a moral force. Two politicians who are planning presidential runs in 2010 offered to step aside so long as he joins the race. But Puno declared himself non-partisan."
[From the Philstar.com GOTCHA column of Jarius Bondoc. Updated February 16, 2009 12:00 AM]
The fifth highest official of the land revealed all this to fellow-Masons who pressed him Saturday for prescriptions for the country’s decline. Institutions are breaking down, they had echoed the spreading fear. Puno replied that the Philippines might end up like other failed democracies. But moral resurgence can halt the slide.
Puno declined for now to name the movement leaders, saying only “there will be no more than ten.” Starting in Manila, they will form chapters nationwide. A think-tank of eminent persons will analyze the main issues and present solutions.
Later in a speech at the inaugural of Provincial Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco as head Mason of this town, Puno expounded on his moral drive. The family, school, church, media and government are decaying, he quoted recent reports. (Newspapers of late have been criticizing the co-opting of such institutions as Congress, judiciary, business, and the military.) “Our moral fiber is in tatters,” Puno noted. “Filipinos have become inured to corruption. We have become insensitive to immorality. Some have become so callous with their wicked ways.”
For Puno, the spark for moral regeneration “is right there in our Constitution.” The Preamble not only implores “the aid of Almighty God,” but also uniquely mentions “love” among the basic principles. (He credits the insertion of “love” to the late Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma, who headed the commission that framed the 1987 Constitution.)
In another address three weeks back, the Chief Justice had called for a “moral force” to direct the national course. This fired up sectors that have long been decrying the Arroyo admin’s corruption and attempts to prolong its tenure. Several groups then asked Puno to lead such a moral force. Two politicians who are planning presidential runs in 2010 offered to step aside so long as he joins the race. But Puno declared himself non-partisan."
[From the Philstar.com GOTCHA column of Jarius Bondoc. Updated February 16, 2009 12:00 AM]
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