Presidential candidate Sen. Manny Pacquiao is calling on all Filipinos to pray for peace in Eastern Europe and for the de-escalation of conflict in Ukraine, now the target of a Russian invasion.
“Napakahalaga ng panalangin sa panahong ito dahil tila hindi na malaman ng tao kung ano ang tama at makatarungan dahil sa kasakiman at kawalan ng respeto sa kapwa. (Prayer is very important at this time because people are confused about what is right and just because of the greed and lack of respect to each other),” Pacquiao said in a press statement.
The PROMDI Party and PDP-Laban (Pimentel Wing) presidential candidate stated: “I join the people all over the world in praying for the immediate de-escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.”
A deeply religious man, Pacquiao said he is also praying hard for the safety of Filipinos in Ukraine. He urged them to heed the calls for their immediate evacuation from the besieged country.
“Sa ngayon ay wala tayong magagawa kundi magmasid sa mga nangyayari at makiisa sa anumang pagsisikap para maresolba ng mapayapa ang sitwasyon sa Ukraine. (We can’t do anything right now but to observe the unfolding events and support efforts for a peaceful resolution of the situation in Ukraine),” he said.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao is urging all concerned agencies of the government to be ready to respond to the needs of 300 overseas Filipino workers.
Russia and Ukraine are among the largest countries in Europe although the former enjoy a huge edge in military strength.
World leaders have expressed concern over the conflict as it may trigger