Heed Francis’ call for mercy and compassion

Millions welcomed Pope Francis when he came to visit. They braved the rains and waited for long hours to see and listen to his message on the mercy and compassion of God, and on the necessity of “reforming the social structures which perpetuate poverty and the exclusion of the poor.” That was three months ago. Now it is business as usual.

Last March the Department of Labor and Employment added a measly P15 to the minimum wage of workers in Metro Manila—not even enough to pay the increased MRT fare, according to a labor leader. With the rise in prices of food items, many people now simply buy noodles and tuyo (dried fish) for their meals.

Yet business is growing, if the continuing construction of condominium buildings in the cities is any indication. Moreover, 11 Filipinos are now among the world’s 1,000 billionaires. Should those who create wealth continue to be sacrificed in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy (Letter of the Pope No. 55), and get only a P15 increase?

Scavengers work hard to sort out garbage to feed their families. Yet the government, instead of appreciating their effort at self-employment, frequently harasses them. I once contributed a wheel to the kariton (pushcart) of a scavenger whose family sleeps on the sidewalk. That kariton was confiscated together with the goods in it. It meant hunger for several days. Fortunately his kariton was returned, but not the kariton and goods of his fellows. The desire to remove eyesores in the streets has become more important than food for hungry stomachs.

The National Housing Authority, which is supposed to be in charge of promoting low-cost housing for the urban poor, is now a partner of Ayala Land in building condos for the urban rich in North Triangle, on land previously earmarked for priority development for squatters. Moreover, last April 8 Budget Secretary Florencio Abad released P286.7 million to continue the relocation of squatters in North Triangle “in line with the administration’s goal of spending on the right priorities by focusing on the needs of the poor and vulnerable localities.” Abad added: “But we’re also enhancing the country’s economic progress through partnerships with private companies to create a better life for all, and not just for the fortunate few.”

Am I wrong in interpreting it thus—“as the administration’s goal in the public-private partnership of using public money to create a bitter life for all, and not for the fortunate few”?

While riding in a pedicab in North Triangle, I asked the driver where he lives. He said: Here in this place, but I was relocated to Montalban last year. I am back here to earn money for my family.

From experience, relocation without job opportunities has always been a failure. The demolition of squatter dwellings has actually increased the number of families living in the streets. In a few months there will be more families in the streets as law enforcers implement this bitter life.

Just one more piece of information: Two Dumagat mothers, Marites and Rosario, who were arrested without warrants seven months ago, are still languishing in jail despite the fact that their arrest has been declared illegal by the Department of Justice. The military, which put them behind bars, is not lifting a finger to address the injustice. The protectors of the Filipino people, especially the vulnerable, are actually pushing them to look for other protectors.

The unjust structures are just so entrenched in the government that nothing substantial will happen if we don’t rely on ourselves, on the millions who have internalized Pope Francis’ message. Let us act and respond with mercy and compassion to the suffering of millions, not to dole out crumbs but to reform unjust structures.

The first moment toward change is to see reality from the perspective of the poor. We should stop prejudging the poor and blaming them for their situation. We should experience being with them, listen to what has happened to them in their provinces and why they are unable to cope with life. Let us reread history from the perspective of those who are still conquered. For believers, this is a privileged moment to discover the Risen Lord’s wounded hands and feet among the poor. Such painful realities can become the source of courage to leave one’s comfort zone and embrace the poor as our brethren.

The second moment toward change is to experience the joy that Pope Francis radiated. That joy supports us to be fearless and persevering, to go wherever the Spirit leads. It can be doing research on the effects of labor contractualization, why land is in the hands of so few people, cases of corruption, unjust economic policies, etc. For others, it can be articulating in the media what the marginalized are unable to express.

For Church people, it can be educating and empowering the poor. Becoming a compassionate presence among the squatters in one’s parish can lessen their suffering. Solidarity with farmers, workers, urban poor, indigenous people, etc. and networking with civil society, especially the democratized social media, will create the ground swell needed for change.

It is possible to create an inclusive society. “Courage! It is I,” the Lord told the fearful apostles.

Fr. Pete Montallana ([email protected]) is coordinator of the Indigenous Peoples’ Apostolate of the Diocese of Infanta, which serves Aurora and northern Quezon. He has lived with the urban poor for more than 14 years and is presently a member of the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance.