Banking on the popularity of statement shirts among Filipinos, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and Radyo Veritas is going full steam ahead in promoting “Huwag Kang Magnakaw” shirts to the public this holiday season.
The one-liner is a translation of “Thou Shall Not Steal,” one of the Lord’s Ten Commandments given to Moses as related in the Holy Bible. The initiative began a few months ago, with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Archdiocese of Manila himself promoting it.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila wearing a “Huwag Kang Magnakaw” shirt
Speaking to Radyo Veritas, Fr. Nonong Fajardo, head of the Archdiocese of Manila’s Public Affairs Ministry, wearing the shirt can be a way for Filipinos to show to all, particularly government officials, their strong disapproval of corruption.
The priest added that the message in the shirt becomes all the more relevant given because of Pope Francis’ apostolic visit next month as well as the designation of 2015 as the Year of the Poor.
“As much as 70% of Filipinos now describe themselves as very poor. Because of the corrupt practices of those in government as well as the exploitation of some in the business sector, their condition is getting worse,” the priest said in the vernacular.
“Money that should be going to social services are being stolen. Meanwhile, some business establishments rake in too much profit without giving employees’ their fair share,” he added.
Last year, Pope Francis delivered a homily where he reiterated a biblical passage saying that corrupt people should be “tied to a rock and thrown into the sea.”
The shirts are sold at Php 150 at Radyo Veritas’ main office in West Avenue, Quezon City and in the headquarters of Caritas Manila in Pandacan, Manila. They are also available in select parishes nationwide.
PS: Interested parties may contact Radyo Veritas‘ marketing department at 925-79-32 for queries. Discounts are available for bulk orders.
The Filipino Scribe (TFS) is managed by Mark Pere Madrona, a multi-awarded writer and licensed professional teacher from the Philippines.
Mr. Madrona earned his master’s degree in history from the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 2020. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism cum laude from the same university back in 2010. His area of interests includes Philippine journalism, history, and politics as well as social media.
Know more about him here: https://www.filipinoscribe.com/about/.
The Filipino Scribe (TFS) is managed by Mark Pere Madrona, a multi-awarded writer and licensed professional teacher from the Philippines.
Mr. Madrona earned his master’s degree in history from the University of the Philippines-Diliman last 2020. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in journalism cum laude from the same university back in 2010. His area of interests includes Philippine journalism, history, and politics as well as social media.
Know more about him here: https://www.filipinoscribe.com/about/.
