“We Cannot Protest Corruption in Government if the Same Happens within the Church,” Says Filipino Bishop
A Filipino prelate has called for financial transparency and integrity in both Church and society, saying, “We cannot keep protesting corruption in government if the same happens within the Church.”
Bishop Dennis Villarojo of Malolos in Central Luzon, northern Philippines, made the statement during the ceremony dedicating Pastoral Year 2026 to “Evangelization Towards Integrity” on January 11.
Last year, the province of Bulacan, which falls under the diocese’s jurisdiction, made national headlines after government-funded flood control projects were found to be substandard, non-existent, or constructed in locations other than those specified.
Referring to the exposé, Bishop Villarojo said it was time for the faithful to take an active role in addressing systemic corruption.
“We have to monitor and scrutinize government projects to ensure that they are built as intended,” he said.
Beyond public accountability, the bishop also announced that the Diocese of Malolos would strengthen its own systems of transparency and integrity.
“Our Church already has an accounting system in place that tracks our funds, but we must continue improving it to prevent malpractice and misuse,” he said. “We cannot keep protesting corruption in government if the same happens within the Church.”
Bishop Villarojo also committed to fast-tracking the digitization of diocesan records to streamline and optimize the processing of document requests.
“If our records are digitized, people can go to any parish and access the documents they need,” he said. “They will no longer waste time moving from one parish to another.”
He further outlined plans to deepen evangelization efforts focused on transparency and integrity, particularly through youth catechesis to strengthen the next generation’s sense of social accountability.
“We do catechesis in schools, but we can also do it in May, during Flores de Mayo,” the bishop explained. “While Santacruzan is a beautiful practice, it often involves only a limited number of young women. It should be expanded to include catechesis for the youth.”
A uniquely Filipino Catholic tradition, Santacruzan is a ritual procession commemorating the legendary finding of the True Cross by St. Helena (Reyna Elena) and her son, Emperor Constantine (Rey Constantino), in the 4th century. It is usually held on the last day of May or on a Sunday in May, with parish participants portraying biblical, Marian, and historical figures—each symbolizing a Christian virtue, a Marian title, or an aspect of the faith.
In addition to presenting the pastoral year’s objectives, the diocese also unveiled its official logo bearing the words “Do good and teach integrity,” taken from St. Paul’s Letter to Titus (2:7–8).
The launch was attended by members of the Parish Pastoral Council of Malolos Cathedral and clergy of the diocese, including Fr. Rico Trinidad, director of the Diocesan Commission on Evangelization.
