Freethinkers too few to deserve a space in the Inquirer

This is the first time I am writing a letter to the Inquirer. I am disappointed with the paper’s decision to include the commentary of Red Tani (“Why I don’t like Pope Francis,” Opinion, 1/19/15) on the last day of Pope Francis’ visit. The Filipino Freethinkers is a small group of atheists who are never given any space in any newspaper or given much attention in digital communities, but the Inquirer felt that they were important enough to warrant prime space in its Opinion section. Why didn’t the Inquirer get an opinion from the Iglesia ni Cristo or one of the many Christian groups, or the Islamic group? At least these groups have a bigger following.

I have such a high regard for the Inquirer and this is why, as a faithful reader, I want to express my opinion and tell its editorial staff that the publication of Tani’s article was wrong timing. I am sure Raul Pangalangan, the newspaper’s publisher, will be able to discern much better in the future.

More power to the Inquirer. Its editors should realize that it plays an important role in the mission and challenge that Pope Francis has given us: fight corruption, care for our environment, nurture our children and minister to the poor.

—JOSE LUIS (JOLLY) GOMEZ,

jollygomez@mac.com