Palace greets people during Holy Week

Malacanang has wished Filipinos a quiet and reflective Holy Week, while Sen. Sonny Angara hoped the week-long Catholic observance would be free of political bickering.At the same time, detained Sen. Leila de Lima urged the faithful to continue praying for the victims of injustice as well as the country’s leaders to be able to rightly govern the nation, Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.In a statement, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella wished everyone “a quiet and renewing week for all.”He said it was his hope that the Holy Week would be a “time for spiritual renewal to strengthen love and deep compassion for fellow Filipinos.”For his part, Angara urged Filipinos to take “a break from our worldly pre-occupation” this Holy Week.“I am likewise making an appeal to our leaders and co-workers in government for a weeklong ceasefire,” Angara said.“This is a time for all of us, especially those in public service, to rise above differences and release ourselves from political bickering, feud, conflict, quarrel and other unfriendly actions that only divide our people and our country,” he said. De Lima expressed hope that the faithful would use this week to reflect on their life.“I pray that whatever that is disturbing our minds and hearts would dissipate; and for an end to bickering as well as killing of lives that are innocent and helpless. And may the lessons... guide us daily,” she said. “Let us continue to pray for our leaders to be guided to the right way of governance and for our people, especially victims of injustice.”