“…When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I confessed my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin…” –Psalm 32:3-5
Radio commentator Ado Paglinawan recently discussed a matter regarding the enduring controversy in the South China Sea (or West Philippine Sea) on his “Ang Maestro” program on Radyo Pilipinas that Malacañang officials should hurriedly look into. According to ‘Ka Ado,’ the media has been silent on the ongoing “state of war” between the Philippines and China, which began under the Benigno S. Aquino III administration.
The conflict began when a Philippine naval ship (the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar) attacked a Chinese fishing vessel, resulting in Philippine Navy officers boarding the civilian boat. Paglinawan pointed out, such an act constitutes an “act of war” on the part of the Philippines. However, what appears to have saved the day was the common (yet silent) understanding between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who reportedly decided to talk things out and ignore the incident altogether – is this true?
During Xi’s recent state visit to the Philippines, I hope he and Duterte took time to discuss the issue of Chinese-made products, which are often either defective or fraudulently manufactured. The problem has reached alarming proportions and has endangered the lives of Filipinos.
My wife and I received an electric-powered lampshade last year as a gift. The item, which was marked “Made in China,” was defective. While it was plugged into an outlet near our bed, it burst into flames. By the grace of God, I managed to put out the fire. I later learned the same incident happened to others.
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Among the multitudes of officials at Malacañan Palace, especially those with the ear of President Rodrigo Duterte, do any of them read the Bible? Based on my observations, there are none, which is revealed by the number of inappropriate remarks made by the president against the Roman Catholic faith, in particular, the act of confession.
Such remarks show a lack of familiarity (or, perhaps, disregard) by Duterte of the Bible’s basic tenets.
More unfortunate are the palace officials who claim to be Christians but are unwilling to fulfill their solemn obligation to guide the president with what the Bible says.
In the case of confessing one’s sins, James 5:16 indicates: “…Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective…” This verse makes clear the healing of the sick comes with the confession of his sins – how do we reconcile this with what Duterte said?
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Watch and listen to “Ang Tanging Daan,” a Bible exposition and prayer session that runs 24/7 and is broadcast in English and Filipino. The show airs live on Facebook at facebook.com/angtangingdaan. Please send reactions to 0917-984-2468, 0933-825-1308, 0977-805-9058, or via email at batasmauricio@yahoo.com./WDJ