Bishop Ambo is ‘beacon of hope’

As an organization that envisions a just and inclusive church and society, the Damdaming Katoliko sa Teolohiya (Dakateo), the Catholic Theological Society of the Philippines, expresses its solidarity with Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” S. David, the bishop of Caloocan.

As a consequence of his tireless and courageous defense of his people from the excesses of the “war on drugs,” he has earned the ire of President Duterte. In siding with the victims of this “war,” he has become a model of what it means to be a good shepherd who defends his flock from marauding wolves.

He is a beacon of hope for the Church and our society, an example of what it means to care for those who cannot defend themselves. He puts to shame those who call themselves “Christians” but rejoice in the killings that have taken place, and/or have acquiesced to it all by their silence and

inaction.

We condemn the irresponsible statements of President Duterte that impugn and malign the good name of Bishop Ambo without offering any iota of evidence.

We call on him to exercise restraint in his statements and to consider criticisms as means of becoming a better president and even a statesman.

We ask him to be an example of what it means to be a leader who unites and heals the nation, rather than one who sows division and creates animosity and hatred.

With Bishop Ambo, we pray for an end to the culture of impunity that reigns in our country, and for the creation of a just and inclusive society in which the dignity and rights of all, particularly the poor, are safeguarded and promoted.

CATHOLIC THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE PHILIPPINES, Quezon City