Concern for the environment

In the words of the American punk rock band Green Day: Summer has come and past.

But warmer than average temperatures seem to last. Why? This was the topic of my conversation with members and partners of the Cebu Archdiocesan Commission on Environmental Concern during its formal launching last Wednesday at the Archbishop's Palace.

The launching was preceded by a Mass presided by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma at the St. Joseph Chapel located inside the archbishop's compound. The Mass was followed by an activity called "Eternitree", where couples who earlier renewed their marriage vows during the Mass each planted a tree to cap the day's theme of love, faith, and environmental stewardship.

Just as we were talking during lunch about the hot weather outside, a sudden downpour broke out. A water expert in the group promptly explained that it was the intense heat which is causing the concentration of clouds in the atmosphere. This results in a short but heavy rain in a phenomenon called convective precipitation. As soon as the rain ended, the brazen heat of the mid-day returned.

Since the peak of the El Niño phenomenon hit us in 2015, I have had this lingering suspicion that the regular days of cool breeze we experienced in past sunny weather may be behind us for good. And there is no doubt that climate change is causing all these unusual weather patterns.

That is why I made a vow to contribute in whatever small measure I can in efforts at mitigating, if not reversing, the damaging effects of climate change. So when commission chairperson Rev. Fr. Murphy Sarsonas asked if I could be involved in the commission as a volunteer legal consultant, I did not hesitate.

The commission is an offshoot of the Committee on Environmental Concern formed during the International Eucharistic Congress last year in Cebu. Now as a commission, its mission is to initiate parish-based programs and activities for the environment.

Rev. Fr. Sarsonas said in his speech during the launching that the Church can play an important and galvanizing role in the protection of the environment through parish-based grassroots awareness and action, and by proceeding through faith.

That's true. The core of our existence in this planet and its environment is the belief that we are one with God's creations. We are stewards who have a sacred duty before God to preserve this planet for the next generations to enjoy.

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There will a forum this 2 p.m. on martial law and its constitutionality and impact on human rights at the UCCP Cendet Complex along Osmeña Boulevard. It is organized by the Community Empowerment Resource Network, Inc., the National Union of People's Lawyers - Cebu Chapter, and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

Organizers said the forum aims to provide a critical analysis on martial law and seek more vigilance among the people as martial law is being implemented. Former Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares is expected to speak during the forum.

On the outset, I have not really criticized President Duterte's martial law declaration in Mindanao though I wish this never happened. Instead, I'm observing how government will use such extraordinary powers to solve the festering terrorism and emerging humanitarian crisis in Marawi City.

But let us be open to any form of opposition against martial law because, while probably annoying to many people, it serves as a sounding board from which we let those in power know that there is no such thing as a carte blanche in governing human affairs.

Power has a tendency to carve a path into a person's core where it can work its way to make him corrupt and out of touch. That is why we invented a system of accountability because while power gets things done, unchecked power destroys "the skills that gain us power in the first place."

That means I don't really mind a regular dose of opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes' inarticulate and conjectural mumblings against the Duterte administration. But I look forward more to hear from public speakers with substance and a gift of lucid persuasion to help us see through the issues of the day. Bayan Muna's Neri Colmenares is among them.