Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday urged churches to lead the country’s ‘revival’ amid a deepening corruption crisis, and wants faith leaders included in the Independent Committee on Infrastructure (ICI).
In a statement, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano called on churches to take a more active role in shaping the nation’s future, saying they should ‘penetrate all spheres of influence’ and help lead the Philippines toward moral revival amid massive corruption.
Moreover, Cayetano made the call as he co-sponsored a Senate resolution congratulating the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide on its 47th founding anniversary, highlighting the crucial role of churches in guiding society beyond the spiritual sphere.
‘Where the church is, there the country will go,’ Cayetano, who is also a devout Christian, emphasized.
‘We ask them to intercede for our nation and penetrate all spheres of influence-business, schools, hospitals-because the country needs prayers, hope, but also leadership,’ he added.
The senator said faith-based institutions should go beyond offering prayers and actively participate in national reform efforts, including the fight against corruption.
‘We are encouraging all churches to be part of the disruption that is happening in our country. Not the disruption that is now full of confusion, anger, and fear, but hopefully the disruption that will lead us to a true revival,’ he said.
The minority leader also suggested that religious leaders be included in the ICI to strengthen the body’s credibility and moral foundation.
‘I think that’s what is lacking in the Independent Commission [for Infrastructure]. Why were religious leaders not designated there?’ he asked, partly in Filipino.
‘Truly, our country needs not only the prayers, the hope, but also the leadership,’ he added.
At the start of the plenary session, Cayetano prayed for a ‘revival’ in the hearts of Filipinos and in all sectors of society, from government to business institutions, plagued by dishonesty and corruption.
‘What we ask you, Lord, for is a revival. First, the revival of the heart of every Filipino, that he will look at you for hope. Second is the revival of communities, revival of faith in government, revival of integrity and honesty. May we look at the devil and tell him to get behind us because these are all lies,’ he prayed.