VP Sara: Pray for blessings, protection

VICE President Sara Duterte, on All Saints' Day, urged Filipinos to pray for continued blessings for the Philippines and for protection against calamities, wars and «other forces.»

In her All Saints' Day message, Duterte said the holiday allowed the country to pause in honor of all saints that reminded the world of «God's compassion, mercy and enduring love.»

She also called on the faithful to solemnly pray and reflect on their devotion and faith.

She also prayed for the Philippines to have «continued blessing of strength and healing,» as well as protection on multiple fronts.

«Let us pray for protection against calamities, disasters, wars and forces that may threaten our unity and cause human suffering or death,» Duterte said.

In a separate statement, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua asked for prayers for victims of hazing, as well as for their bereaved families and friends.

He also called for prayers for the investigators, prosecutors and judges who are working on pending hazing cases.

«May investigators learn how to gather evidence better and build cases that will not be dismissed for lack of evidence or technicalities. May the prosecutors file the right cases, and may those cases be solid and not be dismissed on technicalities and inability to prove the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt. May the judges conduct their trials and decide the cases based on justice and truth,» Chua said.

He also appealed for the better implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law in schools, villages and law enforcement agencies and called for the creation of a «Special Manual on Hazing Investigation and Prosecution» to guide investigators and prosecutors.