Radio Veritas president Rev. Fr. Anton Pascual is urging the faithful to pray for President Duterte who is set to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 27.

(SIMEON CELI JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Pascual, who is also executive director of Caritas Manila, the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila said, the government’s actions and plans are of prime importance at this time given the ongoing pandemic.
“In the face of pandemic, we see the importance of a strong and decisive government. The direction that it takes and how the public’s welfare is safeguarded,” Pascual said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
The President’s decision, Pascual said, must always be for the common good.
“The common good is the will of God,” the Church leader stressed.
Fr. Pascual said he wants to hear the President’s plan and response to the public health crisis, which to date has affected over 70,000 Filipinos as well as the government’s action to address the ensuing unemployment and loss of livelihood due to the pandemic.
Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, earlier announced masses in parishes under the Archdioceses of Manila will be offered on Monday, July 27 as the “Church’s contribution to the President’s SONA.”