21/05/2026
A CALL TO PRAYER, FAIRNESS, AND CONSTITUTIONAL SOBRIETY IN A DIVIDED NATION
We the undersigned Christian Bishops, Leaders, and Pastors, expresses deep concern over the spirit of hostility, rash judgment, and public condemnation that increasingly mark political discourse in our nationโeven among Christians.
In recent days, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, as leader of the Senate, has faced intense criticism from various sectors, including fellow believers. Political disagreement is part of democracy, and public scrutiny is part of public office. But Christians must be careful not to rush to judgment before facts are complete, before impartial findings are made, and before lawful institutions have fully done their work.
Scripture commands:
โI urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all peopleโfor kings and all those in authorityโฆโ (1 Timothy 2:1โ2)
This command is not dependent on political agreement. Christians are called to pray for all leaders, especially in times of national conflict, controversy, and uncertainty.
As Filipinos, we must also remember that faith in God is not foreign to public life. The Preamble of the 1987 Constitution begins:
โWe, the sovereign Filipino peopleโฆ imploring the aid of Almighty Godโฆโ
Our Constitution itself acknowledges dependence on God. Public prayer, kneeling before God, quoting Scripture, and openly seeking divine guidance in leadership should not be mocked or treated as improper simply because they are visible in public office.
At the same time, faith does not exempt leaders from accountability, nor does political disagreement justify reckless accusation.
It is troubling that many Christians have publicly condemned Senate leadership on matters that remain legally, constitutionally, or factually unresolved. Questions surrounding the ICC proceedings continue to raise serious legal and constitutional issues. Likewise, concerning the disturbing gunfire incident in the Senate, accusations and conclusions have circulated even before the complete findings of impartial investigation have been made public.
This is not the Christian way.
Scripture says:
โEveryone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.โ (James 1:19)
And:
โThe one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.โ (Proverbs 18:17)
Justice requires hearing before judgment. Truth requires examination before conclusion.
This same principle must apply to all issues now dividing our nation.
We pray for impartial justice for the victims of alleged extrajudicial killings and their families.
We pray for fair and impartial proceedings for those accused, that guilt or innocence may be determined by evidence and lawful processโnot by political narratives or public emotion.
We pray for constitutional fairness in impeachment proceedings, where law, due process, and truthโnot partisan interestโmust prevail.
We pray for truth and integrity in the flood control hearings and all public investigations, wherever accountability may lead.
In all these matters, we must allow Philippine courts, constitutional institutions, legislative processes, and impartial investigations to workโwithout compromise, without political manipulation, and without prejudice.
The Constitution is founded on due process, fairness, institutional order, and the rule of lawโnot speculation, mob sentiment, or trial by social media.
Christians may disagree politically with Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano or any other public official. That is part of democratic life. But Christians must not become a people who condemn before hearing, accuse before examining, or conclude before truth has fully emerged.
We therefore call upon believers across the nation:
Pray for Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
Pray for the Senate and its leadership.
Pray for all leaders in government.
Pray for our courts and institutions.
Pray for justice for victims.
Pray for fairness for the accused.
Pray for truth in every investigation.
Pray for our nation.
For ours is a wounded nation, and it will not heal through anger, suspicion, and division. It will heal through truth, justice, humility, lawful process, and the grace of God.
โIf My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and prayโฆโ (2 Chronicles 7:14)
Let Christians be known not first for outrage, but for prayer.
Not for condemnation, but for discernment.
Not for division, but for truth in love.
May God guide Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano.
May God guide all our leaders.
May God heal our nation.
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SIGNED:
Bsp. Rey Santillana
National Director
Christian Bishop Ministers and Pastors (CBMAP)
Bsp Oriel Ballano
Founder & Senior Pastor of the Doulos for Christ World Harvest & G12 PHIliPPINES
Bishop Gene T. Udang
President: Mindanao Evangelical Leaders Council Inc.
Bishop Tomas D. Mascariรฑas
Chairman of the Board : Mindanao Evangelical Leaders Council Inc.
Bishop Alex Eduave
President: Celebration International Church Network Inc.
Bishop Little Jones B. Espeleta
Life in Jesus Evangelistic Mission Church International
Atty. Moses Rivera
Lighthouse Legal Aid, Ministers and Partners (Lighthouse LAMP)
Rev. Wilbert R. Butial
Vision Keeper
School of Church Builder
Pastor Ivan Ison
National President
Yeshua Men of Covenant
Bsp Joseph Y. Pelareja
Nat'l Vice Chairman
Yeshua Change Agents
Disciples Celebration Fellowship
Pastor J
Baby Armil Luceรฑo
First Door of Faith Church Mission International Inc.
Pastor Joseph Andres
Church of the Most High
Pastor Bhong Pedida
Ambassadors of the Anointed One Christian Ministries, Inc.
Ferdinand De Gracia
The three are one Church International
Ardwin Carmona
Word international Ministries-Wakat
Rev. Sanny Ladja
The reverend of transformed from Glory in Christ Inc.
Ptr Ramon Infante
Dominion Life in Jesus
Ptr. Edmar Untalan
Ephesians 4 Ministries
Ptr.Philip Aranฬa
Blessed Family in Christ International
Ptra. Susan Reynaldo
Jesus the Faith Builder Church
Rev. Joel Salvador
Brothers Keeper
Johnathan Bagain
Kingdom Culture Community Church
Ptra Cora Acupan
Blessed Family in Christ
International Ministry
Rev. Arnold Radana
-Disciples of Yeshua Congregation (DYC)
Rev. Butch Esguerra
Church if the Breakthrough Believers International Inc
Rev. Edencio Singson
House of Grace Community Church
Rev. Alan Conrado
LIFE Gospel Outreach Ministries Inc
Rev. Tessie Rodrigo Williams
Lifegiver Taguig Church
Rev. Serg Damias
Amqzing Breakthrough Church International
Rev. Dominador B. Corpuz
Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christian Fellowship Inc.
Rev. Consolador P. Parong
Salvation of Lord World Outreach Ministry Inc.
Rev. Stephen Saab
ISAAC Philippines
National Coordinator.
Rev. Carlos Gallur
President: Kagayan Organization of Pastors and Auxiliaries Inc
Rev. Robert Pinsoy
Region 9 Director
Mindanao Evangelical Leaders Council
Rev. Nicanor Ubante
President : Bukidnon Evangelical Ministers Association Inc
Bsp. James Lee Tica
National Chairman
Christian Coalition Movement
Dr. Remigio Regor Esguerra Bacani
CEO International Baptist Missionary Fellowship
