Press statement of Sen. Loren Legarda

On 'world sees RP as moral pariah'

The statement of Chief Justice Reynato Puno calling for a "moral force" to change the country may be seen as an act of national self-flagellation, which is in keeping with Lent. But while corruption is indeed a big problem in the country, it would be too much for anyone to say that the Philippines is being viewed by the world as a "moral pariah."

Let us not ascribe pejorative tags on ourselves as a people, but let us focus instead on our positive traits, of which there are plenty. After all, we must not inculcate into the minds of our youth that our nation must be a hopeless case in as far as corruption is concerned. We are not helpless against this scourge. We know it to be a problem and we are working to solve it. 

On 7 being charged in Jolo kidnap

Government is duty bound to charge in court both the kidnappers in Mindanao and those who abet the commission of their crimes. Nonetheless, priority should be given by the authorities in effecting the safe release of the kidnap victims.

I reiterate that the seeds of social discontentment in Mindanao - dehumanizing poverty and social inequity - must be addressed if the region is to have lasting peace and if it is win the fight against banditry, terrorism and lawlessness.

I still believe that a negotiated release without ransom of the kidnap victims is the way to go to avoid further bloodshed.

On CBCP urging politicians to do pabasa

I fully support this call by the CBCP, not only for politicians but for all Catholic faithful. Through the pabasa, we get to reflect on the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ so that we may be saved from our sins. Likewise, we may contemplate on the long-standing penitence of Juan dela Cruz, who grapples with extreme poverty, hunger and government apathy to his plight.

My family, the Bautista clan, has been holding pabasas for over a hundred years now. I have taken part on them since I can remember, and I consider it as part of my panata or vow. This is a uniquely Filipino tradition that renews our sense of direction and of what's right and wrong.