“Bishop” Mesiona’s Human Trafficking Critique Omits Supremacy of Christ the King
The EWTN News portal (February 5, 2026) reports on “Bishop” Socrates Mesiona’s pastoral message regarding human trafficking in the Philippines. The article emphasizes his call for “coordinated prevention, protection, and advocacy efforts” through diocesan committees, urging collaboration between government and religious institutions. While acknowledging human trafficking as a “profound moral concern,” the message focuses on socioeconomic factors like poverty and illegal recruitment. The “bishop” demands stricter law enforcement and victim protection while encouraging parishes to engage in awareness campaigns through catechesis and youth programs. Statistics cited include 860,000 Filipinos in modern slavery conditions and half a million children trafficked for sexual exploitation materials.
Omission of Supernatural Remedies Exposes Modernist Reductionism
The “bishop’s” analysis remains imprisoned within naturalistic parameters, committing the very error condemned by Pius XI: “When God and Jesus Christ are removed from laws and states… the foundations of authority were destroyed” (Encyclical Ubi Arcano). Nowhere does Mesiona identify the root cause of human trafficking as society’s rejection of Christ’s social kingship. The document’s silence about the necessity of sacramental life (particularly Penance for perpetrators and Eucharistic adoration for spiritual combat) constitutes pastoral malpractice.
“Human trafficking is not merely a social problem; it is a profound moral concern that calls for the conversion of hearts”
This vague reference to “conversion” deliberately avoids specifying conversion to what. The integral Catholic solution requires public recognition of Christ as King of Nations and implementation of His laws – not the bureaucratic mechanisms proposed. Pius XI’s Quas Primas explicitly teaches: “Nations will be reminded by the annual celebration of this feast that not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honor and obedience to Christ” (1925). Mesiona’s program lacks this foundational Catholic principle.
Collaboration With Apostate Structures Constitutes Complicity
The article’s praise of “Tier 1 status” in the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking Report reveals capitulation to anti-Catholic powers. Leo XIII condemned such servility: “The Church cannot approve of that liberty which begets a contempt of the most sacred laws of God” (Libertas Praestantissimum, 1888). By urging “dialogue” with a government that permits contraception (RA 10354) and divorce (RA 11596), the “bishop” ignores the Syllabus of Errors’ condemnation of those who “come to terms with progress, liberalism and modern civilization” (Proposition 80).
Worse still is the uncritical citation of UNICEF statistics – an organization promoting abortion worldwide. This violates Pius XI’s warning against “those false reformers who… dare to pronounce that the salvation of the people must be sought from the State apart from the Church” (Divini Redemptoris, 1937). Authentic Catholic action would reject collaboration with UN agencies entirely, following Pius X’s condemnation of the Sillonists’ error: “Their solution is to make an alliance with all the forces of destruction” (Letter on the Sillon, 1910).
Naturalistic Language Reveals Theological Bankruptcy
The pastoral message’s terminology exposes its modernist foundations. Phrases like “systems transformation,” “vulnerable individuals,” and “decent economic opportunities” derive from UN Sustainable Development Goals rhetoric, not Catholic social teaching. Contrast this with Pius XI’s definition of authentic peace: “The peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ… demands that the divine law be made the basis of public law” (Ubi Arcano).
Nowhere does the document mention:
- The necessity of outlawing blasphemous “entertainment” industries that fuel sex tourism
- Restitution for victims through Catholic charitable institutions
- Excommunication for Catholic politicians enabling trafficking
- The role of freemasonic NGOs in perpetuating “human rights” frameworks
This systematic silence proves the message operates within the conciliar sect’s humanitarian paradigm rather than Catholic integralism. As the Holy Office decreed: “The pursuit of novelty… leads to the most grievous errors when concerning sacred sciences” (Lamentabili Sane, 1907).
True Solution Lies in Restoration of Christ’s Social Reign
Authentic Catholic resistance to trafficking begins with recognizing that all societal ills stem from dethroning Christ. St. Augustine’s teaching remains binding: “Without justice, what are kingdoms but great bands of robbers?” (City of God, IV.4). The Philippine bishops’ failure to demand the abrogation of anti-life laws and restoration of Catholic monarchy constitutes dereliction of duty.
Until the Church in the Philippines:
- Publicly consecrates the nation to Christ the King
- Demands recriminalization of contraception and divorce
- Excommunicates Catholic politicians voting for anti-life legislation
- Rejects all UN and NGO partnerships
…their anti-trafficking efforts remain cosmetic. Leo XIII’s warning applies directly: “When religion is banished from society… the State is tottering to its fall” (Immortale Dei, 1885). The blood of trafficked children cries to heaven against shepherds who compromise with modernity rather than proclaiming the Social Kingship of Christ without apology.
Source:
Filipino bishop warns human trafficking remains ‘significant problem’ in Philippines (ewtnnews.com)
Date: 05.02.2026