MANILA, February 7, 2010—The Philippine situation is not hopeless. This in gist was the statement of Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez in an interview with Radio Veritas.

The prelate said that the apparent socio-political and even moral decadence in the country are not any cause for despair since there is “light emerging from shadows”.

The people are gradually getting into a realization of their social responsibility for the country especially in the forthcoming elections, the prelate noted.

He disclosed that in his dioceses of Marbel the Basic Ecclesial Communities are becoming stronger and becoming more aware of the need to work together for change.

“The priests and the laity should work together for change,” Gutierrez said.

He further exhorted the faithful to take seriously the forthcoming May automated elections. People should not simply believe in campaign promises of candidates but sincerely examine each one of them.

“Those with cases of graft and corrupt practices will not do us any good,” he said.

A lot of problems will disappear, even rebellion, if only corruption will be addressed by the next set of government officials.

“Look at the NPAs and other secessionist groups, they will disappear if the government rids itself of graft and corrupt practices,” Gutierrez said. (Melo M. Acuña)