A bishop called on Filipinos to pursue “truth, justice, and peace” amid mounting public frustration over corruption, unresolved national controversies, and economic hardships facing the country.
Participants and Church delegations gathered on Feb. 24 at the Divine Word College of Calapan (DWCC) in Calapan City, the capital of Oriental Mindoro province, Philippines, for “EDSA 40: Pilgrimage March Against Corruption.” Many wore white T-shirts as a symbol of patriotism and unity.
The recent decision of two Filipino priests, Fr. Flavie Villanueva and Fr. Roberto Reyes, to join civil society groups in filing a plunder complaint against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on December 12 has sparked intense public debate.
Major Philippine news organizations issued coordinated calls for accountability on December 9 as the country marked International Anti-Corruption Day, amplifying public concern over the ongoing social and economic damage caused by corruption, including recently raised allegations of large-scale irregularities in flood-control projects.
Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu, central Philippines, has challenged the faithful to confront corruption at the personal level by refusing to participate in any form of dishonest practice.
With ₱43.5 billion worth of flood control contracts from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) now under scrutiny due to their substandard or unfinished state, public demand for government transparency and accountability has grown stronger.
Romblon Diocese Bishop Narciso V. Abellana has clarified that the construction and fundraising for the Bachawan Parish Church were completed before recent allegations involving supposed ghost projects and flood control contracts surfaced.
"Any attempt to alter the Constitution, especially when shrouded in secrecy and lacking genuine public participation, raises serious concerns about its true motives," said Caritas Philippines
