President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on Maundy Thursday urged Filipinos to "spread love" and "serve others" on Holy Week.
In a message shared on his Facebook page, the President joined Filipino Catholics in commemoratingJesus' last day and crucifixion that leads up to the celebration of Easter Sunday – the day Christians celebrate Jesus rising from the dead.
"As we reflect on the love and selflessness of Jesus Christ, may we also find ways to serve others with the same compassion and grace, spreading love and understanding in our communities," Marcos said.
"We pray for a safe and meaningful Holy Week for all," he continued.
Vice President Sara Duterte, meanwhile, said the Holy Week is the time for Filipinos to reflect on the love and sacrifice of God.
"Nakikiisa ang Office of the Vice President sa ating mga kapatid na Kristiyano sa mataimtim na obserbasyon ng Semana Santa," her office said in a Facebook post.
"Sa panahon ng pagninilay-nilay, nawa'y isapuso't isip natin ang pagmamahal at sakripisyo ng Diyos Ama, at gumawa ng higit pa sa ating mga kababayan para sa patuloy na kapayapaan at pagkakaisa," it added.
In a separate Lenten Season message on Monday, Duterte said she was praying for peace and unity in the country.
"Naisulat sa Biblya ang Kaniyang wagas na kadakilaan at pagmamahal para sa ating lahat. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit sinunod Niya ang kalooban ng Diyos Ama na mapako sa krus at ialay ang Kaniyang buhay," she said in a video message.
"Kaya naman, hangad ko na sa panahong ito ng ating pagninilay-nilay ay alalahanin natin ang Kaniyang kabutihan. Isapuso’t isip natin ang Kaniyang mga naging sakripisyo at patuloy pa nating pagtibayin ang ating pananampalataya," she added.
The Vice President also wished that the Lord's work and words will serve as a guide in our daily lives.
"Nawa’y maging gabay ang Kaniyang mga aral at salita sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Kasama sa aking panalangin ang kapayapaan at pagkakaisa para sa ating bansa," Duterte stressed.
She said she also hoped that Filipinos would be inspired "to continue their Godly and democratic aspirations for the people and built a peaceful country".
