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.
Former Miss Universe Catriona Gray delivered a fiery speech at a church-led mass rally in Manila, Philippines, on Nov 30, warning that “every time we stay quiet, corruption wins” as she urged for cases to be filed over missing public funds.
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.
Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo expressed his support for the rallies denouncing corruption and injustice, coinciding with the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law on September 21.
