Pacem in Terris: Contextualized

Intro

2020... it has been a very unique year, to say the least. From a deadly pandemic to a global
movement for racial justice, the year certainly experienced its fair share of world-shifting events. Not to
mention our country’s own share of issues: police brutality, militarization of Lumads and farmers, and a
whole lot more. The world has changed and yet, it remains the same. It might just be that we will never
know what exactly is true peace. With this, let’s take a look at Pacem in Terris in the context of PH
explained.

Farming

There is unrest in the farmlands. Recently, farmers are being murdered by state forces, justified
by red-tagging. The farming community is experiencing constant harassment, illegal arrests and
detention, and killings for allegedly supporting terrorists by the state forces without any lawful
investigation. It does not help that the wealthy and privileged politicians shame these people for the
incompetence of the government. It won’t be long until Filipinos will fill their stomachs with rice harvested
from blood.

Lumad
For our Lumad brothers and sisters, whose clamors and cries for justice fall on deaf ears by
authorities and their fellow Filipinos, their situation seems to grow worse day by day. In March to May
2020 alone, a total of 32 cases of documented attacks against Lumads, from forced closures of schools,
illegal arresting of students, to aerial bombings were reported. Why should the people who hold extreme
significance to our country’s identity be treated this way? Why must we strip them of the privileges that
they hold just as much entitlement to as every other Filipino?

LGBTQ / Women

It is such a shame that even in the 21st century, oppression against women is still rampant.
Women around the world continue to rally in support of their rights to reproductive health, and their voices
resonate against daily sexism and misogyny. The same goes for the LGBTQ+ community, where
discrimination persists, and acceptance is still a foreign concept for the conservative nation to embrace,
like the dubious passing of SOGIE Bill.

Government & Closing

In the aftermath of the lockdown, poor Filipinos were distraught with aggravated impediments.
Since then, there have been reports of unlawful arrests and prejudice in the operations of law
enforcement, clear evidence of the Philippine government’s inefficacy.
 In this sense, Pope John XXIII’s Pacem in Terris emphasizes the principles of truth and justice in
achieving peace, highlighting how all humans are equal and that everyone deserves the same treatment.
These are exactly what our nation needs to see a better dawn as we continue to exist. The world is miles
away from achieving the peace it desires, but once we uphold these truths and eradicate the obstacles
that hold us back, we are for a world that is best for the present and next generations.