MANILA, October 28, 2008—The Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (ARMSP) led by Fr. Jesus Malit, SSC and Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB sought Jaro (Iloilo) Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo’s help in their campaign for good governance.

In a ARMSP letter dated October 17, 2008 that Archbishop Lagdameo released to the media today disclosed they “have taken to heart the admonition” in a pastoral statement entitled “Seeking the Truth, Restoring Integrity” last February 26, 2008 which called for “communal discernment and communal action.”

They said they have launched “Truth Fora, Truth Masses, Symposia on Truth, Accountability and Reform” and have taken part in public ecumenical and interfaith rallies regarding the issues which they describe as “systemic and all pervasive corruption in society and government, (the) unresolved scandals including the ‘Hello Garci, North and South rail projects, Fertilizer scan, NBN-ZTE deal” and the “continuous attempt for charter change, alarming Human Rights violations perpetrated with impunity, the recent PNP Euro Scam and other matters that are disturbing a great majority of our people.”

The co-chairpersons said “at this time when people are losing hope and are becoming cynical and apathetic, a prophetic word from you will be like a Pentecost event, a rekindling of home and an inspiration and impetus to take active part in social transformation.” (Melo M. Acuña)