PSG chaplain: I hope Aquino stays in power

Natashya Gutierrez

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'I hope our President stays on so that the good that has been started in ensuring a straight and narrow path continues'

SUPPORT FOR AQUINO. During a mass for the president's father, PSG Chaplain Daniel Tansip expresses support for an extended term for President Benigno Aquino III. Malacañang Photo Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – It was a mass to commemorate the assassination of the President’s father in 1983, but the priest could not help but share his opinion on an ongoing debate.

Presidential Security Group Chaplain Monsignor Daniel Tansip, on the 31st death anniversary of the late Senator Ninoy Aquino, ended his homily by telling President Benigno Aquino III: I hope you continue on as president.

On Thursday, August 21, Tansip held a mass at the Manila Memorial Park and weighed in on discussions regarding a possible second term for the President, which is prohibited by the Constitution.

Kung ako lang po ang masusunod, ako’y isang ordinaryong pari lang, on this personal note: Sana hindi na matapos iyong paglilingkod ng ating Mahal na Pangulo para tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang magandang nasimulan sa pagtutuwid at pagtatama ng daan,” he said.

(If I were to be followed, I’m just an ordinary priest, but on this personal note: I hope our president stays on so that the good that has been started in ensuring a straight and narrow path continues).

Tansip made the statement amid a controversial admission from Aquino that he was open to Charter change that would include the lifting of presidential term limits – if the people willed it. Aquino stressed however that it didn’t mean he would pursue it.

The 1987 Constitution, drafted and passed under the administration of his late mother, former President Corazon Aquino, does not allow a president to be re-elected after a single 6-year term.

Tansip also said if the older Aquino were alive today, “he will be very, very proud of his son,” especially because of “the many changes towards the straight and narrow path that he has done.”

The priest even compared the President’s experience to those of Jesus Christ.

Maging si Kristo man, sa kanyang pagtuturo at pamumuno sa kabila ng kanyang pagtutuwid ng mga tao noon, ay nakaranas din ng criticisms sa mga tao, sa mga high priests, leaders, sadists… kay Pontius Pilate,” he said. 

(Even Jesus, in his teachings and leadership in trying to straighten people, experienced criticism from the people, high priests, leaders, sadists… Pontius Pilate.)

“But Jesus in his desire to change and transform the world continued his mission and bravely faced the challenges even in the face of death to serve and love the people entrusted to his care and established the church for which we are now benefiting the graces and blessings it give through the sacraments.”

“I, for one, as a priest believes that right at this very moment, the late Senator, your father, and of course your mother as well, are very happy with the achievements of their children,” he said. – Rappler.com

 

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Natashya Gutierrez

Natashya is President of Rappler. Among the pioneers of Rappler, she is an award-winning multimedia journalist and was also former editor-in-chief of Vice News Asia-Pacific. Gutierrez was named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2023.