Duterte to Filipinos: Choose what is ‘good and uplifting’

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the 1st National Assembly of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on February 25, 2019. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Easter Sunday enjoined Filipinos to make better choices as the upcoming mid-term elections draw closer.

“I greet the entire Filipino nation on this triumphant day of Christ’s resurrection,” Duterte said in his message.

Duterte described Easter as an “occasion of hope and inspiration for all” as the nation commemorates the narrative of Jesus Christ.

He particularly emphasized the importance of the Savior’s sacrifice on the cross and how He restored people to the fullness of life.

“May this time of new beginnings inspire us to always choose what is good and uplifting,” Duterte said.

Duterte also urged Filipinos to strive to be “instruments of peace” and “foster greater understanding” among communities.

Duterte said he is counting on Easter to be a time for Filipinos to rekindle our shared commitment in nation-building.

“May it become an exercise of integrity and reflect the true will of the people,” Duterte said.

The President also expressed hope that people’s faith will beat evil caused by the country’s social problems.

“It is my hope that evil caused by the societal ills we are confronting today will be swept away by our strong faith in the Almighty, ” he said.

Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte spent the Holy Week in his hometown, Davao City.

The President will be attending a PDP-Laban campaign rally in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on Sunday afternoon.