Palace joins Catholic world in expressing regret
over Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation
Malacanang has joined the rest of the Catholic
world in expressing regret over the shocking resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
In a statement issued late Monday, Presidential
Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda expressed hope that the Pope may find “peace and
contentment” upon his resignation on February 28.
The 85-year-old Pontiff announced on Monday that
he would resign citing old age and weariness in performing his duties as leader
of the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics.
The German-born leader of the Catholic Church
revealed his historic decision in Latin during a meeting of Vatican cardinals
making him the first pontiff to resign in 600 years.
“Not only the Catholic world, but all peoples
and nations of goodwill are filled with great regret as news comes of Pope
Benedict XVI announcing he intends to relinquish the Petrine Ministry on
February 28 of this year,” Lacierda said.
“At this time, when the Pope has announced the
physical challenges he faces makes it difficult to continue bearing the burdens
of his office, we join the Catholic world and all whose lives he has touched,
in prayer and sympathy. May he find respite from his physical challenges, and
peace and contentment in the seclusion of retirement,” he added.
The Palace official praised the Pope for showing
humility by resignation describing his move as an “act of supreme faith”.
“Pope Benedict XVI's decision, historic as it
is, is in keeping with humility and pastoral approach he has placed at the core
of his service as Pope. It is also an act of supreme faith in the institution
he has headed, and the faith he has proclaimed to the world. We pause in human
sympathy with Pope Benedict XVI in his acknowledgement of the great physical
burden of his office,” he said.
Lacierda recalled the “prayers and comforting
words” the Pope has dedicated to Filipinos during times of calamities.
“We recall, in particular, with fond gratitude,
the many prayers and comforting words Pope Benedict XVI has dedicated to
Filipinos in times of calamity and challenge, and his words of encouragement
and witness in the many Catholic events that have brought Catholics together,
such as the recent canonization of San Pedro Calungsod,” he said.
The conclave of cardinals is expected to be held
in March within 15 or 20 days of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
A new pope is expected to be elected before
Easter Sunday on March 31.
“We hope and pray the Catholic Church and the
Holy See will emerge from the coming period of the Sede Vacante, the conclave
to come, with the election of a new Pope prepared to take up the great burdens
and expectations of the Catholic faithful worldwide,” said Lacierda. PND (jb)
Palace says Aquino government elated over report
that country’s merchandise exports grew by 16.5 percent in December 2012
The Aquino administration expressed elation over
the report that the Philippine merchandise exports grew by 16.5 percent in
December 2012, a Palace official said.
"We are pleased to share a report from the
National Statistics Office (NSO) showing a 16.5% growth in Philippine
merchandise exports in December 2012 to $3.970 billion compared to $3.407
billion in the same month last year," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda
said in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the NSO, the sustained increment
was supported by the positive year-on-year change in bananas (fresh), petroleum
products, metal components, tuna, woodcrafts and furniture.
"Significant increases in the export of
fresh bananas (155.5%), petroleum products (137%), metal components (116.3%),
tuna (51.9%), and woodcrafts and furniture (48%) were instrumental for the
year-on-year growth. These gainers outperformed losers contributing to the
sustained performance of our exports," Lacierda said.
In 2012, exports declined only in the month of
August and peaked in the months of September (22.8%), May (19.7%), and December
(16.5%), Lacierda stressed.
"This resilience, despite the appreciation
of the peso, is indicative of an improving global economy and the
competitiveness of the country's exports products," he said. PND (js)
