Sad to say, ito po ang lagay ng ating bayan (This is the state of our nation). As President Arroyo quoted in one of her speeches, public service is a public trust. But when the trust is gone, the people have no choice but to take it to the streets.

Now, before I continue, I would like to say that this is not a critique of the Pope’s message. I am not in a position to challenge the Pope’s knowledge of theology and its applications in our world. These are my personal reflections. I would highly recommend my Christian brothers and sisters, even the non-practicing ones, to do the same - read the letter for yourselves and reflect on it. There are many news articles about it in various newspapers but they’re all influenced by the newswriter’s views as to what’s important and significant. So you have to read it for yourself and write down your personal thoughts on it.

I believe that it is in our power to overcome and banish suffering. I believe that suffering is not part of God’s plan for us. I believe that those who have caused suffering in the past should be answerable and should pay for their actions

Any structure (including laws and customs) that limit free will and choice is a violation of freedom. I hope the bishops in our country are listening so that they may stop limiting our freedom to choose our options in birth control.