CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David urged Filipinos not to allow talks on corruption to fade into silence as he stressed the importance of vigilance and moral responsibility in promoting public good.
“Enough is enough. Let us not let this discussion on corruption die like it did in the past. This is not just politics but a moral conviction- a movement of faith and unity against a culture that continues to rob the dignity of people, drowns the poor and ruins the future of our country,” the cardinal said in his speech at the People Power Monument on Sept. 21.
During the 53rd anniversary of Martial Law, thousands of participants, including parish-based groups, Catholic schools and interfaith communities, flocked to EDSA to join the “Trillion Peso March” and condemn the corruption in flood control projects. The march was named after the P1.9 trillion funding for flood control since 2011.
David cited the Sunday mass reading about the prophet Amos’ message to those who trample on the vulnerable while pretending to be devout, saying the Lord does not tolerate the acts of corruption and betrayal.
“The word of God itself gives us the courage and understanding that our faith is not only for ourselves but for the country’s sake… We may be tired from the betrayal [of the corrupt] and sometimes feel anguished. Anguish can be seen in the bible. The voice of our faith does not always have to be filled with sweet words,” he said.
The CBCP president likened the Church to the staff made to save the “sheep that have fallen off a cliff” but are repenting, as he hit “forest dogs” and “corrupt-like crocodiles” who embezzle the people’s funds.
“There is no true peace if there is no justice. And we cannot achieve justice without repentance. Let us not answer with violence, indifference, nor silence. Let us face this with faith, courage and unity,” David said.
The Caloocan bishop added that Filipinos should not let apathy kill their conviction to fight wrongdoings in the Philippines.
“Let us be meek like doves, the Lord said. But let us also be smart like snakes because remember that the corrupt is smart. Let’s all build a country that is transparent, just and truly humane,” he said. F – N. A. B.
