Manila, Philippines, October 23, 2014 - Pope Francis, head
of the Worldwide Roman Catholic Church and Vatican City State, arrives today
from Rome, Italy for a five-day pastoral and state visit aimed at strengthening
the Filipino people's Christian faith and improving relations between the
Church and the Aquino Government.
President Benigno Aquino III, during his regular press
briefing, said he will discuss with the Pope key issues affecting
Church-Government relations, including the the Charter change, the Bangsamoro
Framework Agreement, the tension against China over the Scarborough Shoal, the
Development Acceleration Program (DAP) and Priority Development Assistance Fund
(PDAF) scam of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the rehabilitation after the
Zamboanga siege to the onslaught Yolanda caused in Visayas and the recent
typhoon “Glenda” in Luzon last July, the P316-million Philippine Charity
Sweepstakes Office funds scam, P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe
Asiatique (GA), P728 million fertilizer fund scam, the construction of major
infrastructure projects, the crime rate in Metro Manila including robbery
holdups, the high-profile killings, the gang rape, the onslaught of typhoon
Glenda, the 100 million population mark, the legal issues in DOTC such as: the
rehabilitation of MRT-3, the awarding of the LRT-1 south extension project, the
legal battle between SM Prime Holdings and Ayala Land on the proposed “common
train station”.
Mr. Aquino also assured that the Pope will be well-secured
during his entire visit. Some 20,000 security personnel from various law
enforcement agencies have mobilized for the visit.
The President said his talks with the Pontiff will very
brief. But, Mr. Aquino hinted that the talks will ensure improvement relations
between the Church and the Government.
Some 1,500 people will also be on hand to welcome the Pope.
Upon the Pope's arrival, the President will deliver his welcome remarks, after
which the Pontiff will deliver a message to the Filipino People.
Tomorrow, the Holy Father will make a courtesy call on
President Benigno Aquino III at Malacanang's Music Room, to be followed by a
one-on-one meeting between the two leaders. A Private audience with the First
family follows.
