Senate adopts Sotto resolution on nationwide prayer for peace and reconciliation

The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution introduced by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III seeking to declare every first Thursday of February, beginning Feb. 7, 2019 as the Synchronized Interfaith National Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation.

"In the spirit of peace and national reconciliation in the entire nation, (it is hereby resolved by the Senate) to express the sense of the Senate to declare every first Thursday of Feb. starting this year and every year thereafter as the "Synchronized Interfaith National Prayers for Peace and Reconciliation" and to encourage and persuade all Filipinos of any religion to actively participate in the said declaration in reciting the prayers," Senate Resolution No. 1002 said.

The said prayers are in English, Filipino, Cebuano and Hiligaynon versions.

"Most, if not all of the television stations and programs will be praying with us at 12 noon tomorrow," Sotto said during the plenary session when he requested his colleagues to adopt the resolution.

Following its approval, Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" F. Zubiri said: "This is initiated by Nanay (Lourdes) Bing Pimentel, the wife of our distinguished former Senate President (Aquilino "Nene" Pimentel Jr.) and the mother of our distinguished former Senate President as well (Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III), the PasaLord Movement, the first synchronized nationwide interfaith prayer for peace which will be held tomorrow Feb. 7, 2019 at 12 noon," Zubiri said.

"So tomorrow, they're requesting us to join them, together with you, Senate President, in a one-minute prayer for peace, Feb. 7, 2019, 12 noon at the 4th Floor of the Senate building. Isang minuto lang po para sa Panginoon," Zubiri added.

The said activity was initiated by the PasaLord Prayer Movement - the Prayer for Peace in the Philippines, an interfaith movement launched in 2017, which seeks to unite Filipinos of various creeds and denomination to pray for peace in the Philippines. Mrs. Bing Pimentel is its founder and lead convenor.

"It is noteworthy to cite that in the Philippine Senate or in other government bodies, whether in the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary, they start the day's work with a prayer to the Almighty God as it is believed that the Divine Providence will guide government officials to come up with policies and programs through God's mercy and intercession that is beneficial to the people and the entire nation," Sotto said.

While it is expressly provided for in the provisions of the Constitution the separation of Church and State, it is believed that encouraging the people to pray as a single nation regardless of religion, cultural race and social stature in life will not violate any law, Sotto added.