IN A nation quick to forget history and slow to learn from its past, Catholics must cry out against any form of corruption as it festers like a wound that deteriorates into a deadly infection when left untreated, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., said.
In his speech during the National Call to Prayer and Public Repentance at the UST Carillion area, Ang said the Church, the youth and the elderly should not remain silent in the fight against corruption since their future is at stake.
“In a system riddled with corruption, seeking justice becomes futile in a country that is quick to forget history and incapable of learning from the lessons of the past,” Ang said on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
“Corruption is like a neglected wound. In the beginning, it is small, but it gradually grows until it becomes a deadly infection. The Church and the Academy cannot remain silent while the dignity of people is being disrespected,” he added.
The speech was part of the “UST Day of Prayer for Truth and Good Governance,” a continuation of the University and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ (CBCP) call for accountability and peace in the midst of corruption issues hounding the government.
The controversy involves the alleged pocketing of billions of flood control funds by corrupt politicians and contractors that resulted in ghost and substandard structures. The fiasco spawned several mass actions calling for accountability and justice, including massive rallies held on Sept. 21 at the Rizal Park in Manila and EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City .
A snake rally in September and a solidarity night were also held in UST earlier this month to condemn flood control irregularities, which have endangered the lives of people in hazardous areas.
According to Ang, the Church strongly condemns the “blatant” and “worsening” corruption in the country as it has been “poisoning” the institution that is supposed to care for the welfare of Filipinos.
“We can only achieve order if we can hold all those involved in corruption accountable through solid evidence, through the truth,” Ang said.
“The truth is the foundation of every just society. But at this time, it seems to be judged by lies, cover-ups, and indifference.”
The UST rector added that it is only right for the University to call for the truth and uphold justice by educating its students regarding issues in the country.
“As a Catholic university, it is our duty to teach and live the truth that liberates. Education is useless if it is not based on the real conditions of society,” Ang said.
Other highlights of the event were a Holy Mass at the UST Chapel presided over by Alaminos Bishop Most Rev. Napoleon Sipalay Jr., O.P., followed by a candle-lighting ceremony and ringing of bells at the UST Carillion area. F
