Let us be beacons of hope, Robredo urges Filipinos

Vice President Ma. Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo on Easter Sunday called on Filipinos to become the ‘light of hope’ for people in remote, needy communities around the country.

In celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, Robredo said the Risen Christ’s message should inspire and give everyone strength to continue serving other people and the nation.

“Magsilbi tayong tanglaw ng pagasa sa pinakamalalayo at pinakamahihirap na komunidad. Maglakad tayo kasama nila, makinig, at bigyang-boses ang naaapi at mahina (Let us serve as light of hope in the farthest and poorest communities. Let us walk with them, listen, and give voice to the oppressed and weak).” She said.

“Magkakaiba man ang ating pinanggagalingan, magkakasalungat man ang ating paniniwala – naniniwala ako na mas malakas pa rin ang puwersa na nagbibigkis sa atin kaysa sa puwersang humahati sa ating bayan (Even though we have different origins, our views are opposite –I believe the force that bind us is stronger than the force that divides our country). added Robredo.

In her Easter message, she urged Filipinos to stand together and defend their rights in the face of imminent threats to democracy.

Robredo, a lawyer, said the Christ’s triumph against death is an important reminder to people that what is good and true will always prevail.

“Ang tagumpay ng ating Panginoon laban sa kamatayan ay isang mahalagang paalala – na sa dulo ng lahat, mangingibabaw ang katotohanan, at ang mabuti ay siyang laging mananaig (The triumph of Christ against his death is an important reminder — at the end, the truth and good will always prevail)”.

Easter Sunday, which is celebrated across the Christian world including the predominantly Catholic Philippines, marks the end of the Lenten season or the Passion of Christ.

The Vice President spent the Holy Week break with her two daughters – Tricia and Jillian in Cebu, where she brought them to Camp Jesse M. Robredo.

The camp at the Philippine Public Safety College Regional Training Center 7 in Consolacion was the last place her husband, then Interior Jesse Robredo visited before he was killed in a plane crashed in Masbate several years back.