Duterte wishes for ‘meaningful’ Undas for PH

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte wishes the entire country a meaningful All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, respectively.

In his Undas message sent to media on Monday, October 31, Duterte reflected on how this time of the year is a reminder that “even though all things come to pass, our deeds will outlast our mortal lives.” (READ: Duterte’s Undas plans: Visit parents’ grave)

The President also took the opportunity to drive home his intent to crack down on corruption. He asked government workers and all Filipinos not to give in to the “temptations of the temporal world” and instead contribute to the “genuine change that will be for the best interests of our people.”

Read President Duterte’s entire Undas 2016 message below:

I join the Catholic faithful as they offer their prayers on November 1, All Saints’ Day, and November 2, All Souls’ Day.

These two events remind us that, even though all things to come pass, our deeds will outlast our mortal lives.

No amount of success, power or position can ever compensate for the greed and corruption of human character. Truly, Christ was right in asking the question: “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his own soul?”

I therefore ask my fellow workers in government, and the entire Filipino people to heed not the temptations of the temporal world. Let us, rather, answer the call to be true servant-leaders; let us accumulate riches, not for ourselves, but for the future generations and for the life that comes after.

With a keen appreciation for the immaterial treasures that bring us closer to God, let us continue to pursue an agenda for genuine change that will be for the best interests of our people. I hope that we cherish with fondness, love, and gratitude the spiritual inheritance left by our ancestors and loved ones on their special day. May the nation receive the blessings of God as we exalt and emulate the holy men and women whose lives have inspired generations.

I wish everyone a solemn and meaningful remembrance.

Rodrigo Roa Duterte

President of the Philippines

– Rappler.com