The Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) recently issued a statement of support for Vice President Leni Robredo in her new position as co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs or ICAD.
The statement, signed by BCBP President Joffe Almoro and BCBP Chairman Tito Serafica, was released on November 8, 2019. The two BCBP leaders said this is in response to the call of the Sangguniang Laiko ng Pilipinas or LAIKO for support for Robredo’s quest to promote rehabilitation as a more sustainable and humane solution to the country’s problems with illegal drugs.
“We encourage our chapters and regions to respond to the clarion call of the LAIKO to share their talents and resources to help in the rehabilitation program being initiated by the Vice President,” the statement said.
Earlier, the Catholic bishops also expressed support for Robredo whose self-appointed mission is not just to stop the spread of illegal drugs but to save the lives of drug dependents and make them productive members of society.
Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, in a Philippine News Agency report, said he admired Robredo’s sincerity. “I was most touched by that part in her speech when she said, “If I can save just one innocent life…” he said, assuring Robredo of his prayers and moral support.
“The Church is a partner of government in every sincere effort to solve the problem of illegal drugs firmly but humanely, to address it at its roots but respect human lives and human rights. We are partners of government if it deals with addiction mainly as a health issue than as a crime,” he added.
(Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency)
