“The issue of corruption plaguing our nation cannot be ignored anymore,” Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula said on Monday, Sept. 15, condemning it as “concrete form of evil” that is corroding the country’s soul and dignity.
In a pastoral statement, the cardinal urged Filipinos to remain vigilant, stressing that calling out corruption is not just political resistance but a moral obligation.
“The catastrophe it has caused is shaking the soul of our country and has awakened the seemingly lethargic resolve of many Filipinos to make a stand against corrupt practices and to demand accountability from the guilty,” he went on.
The prelate underscored that unchecked corruption erodes society, including the core of human dignity.
Citing the Scriptures, he reminded the faithful: “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them” (Eph 5:11).
Advincula stressed that accountability should not stop at elections.
“In a healthy democracy, the people’s fiscalizing participation in governance is not confined to the election season,” he said.
“Rather, it continues between elections, by holding leaders accountable through acts of vigilance, discernment, and—when necessary—protest.”
The Church, he added, must help guide the nation through its social teachings to ensure corruption does not become just another partisan issue.
“There should be impartiality and objectivity in understanding these issues, coupled with our duty to promote the common good,” Advincula said.
Echoing the words of Pope Francis, the cardinal said politics can be transformed into “an act of Christian love, which is never simply a theory, but always a concrete sign and witness of God’s constant concern for the good of our human family.”
He called on parishes, shrines, and religious communities to hold “prayerful reflections, circles of discernment, and concrete but peaceful and non-violent actions against corruption.”
“Our Christian identity includes what Pope Francis called ‘social charity’ or ‘political love,’ which is the willingness to give ourselves for sake of the common good, to labor for genuine and integral development in society, to be involved in the work of building and transforming our nation,” Advincula said.
“Bilang mga Kristiyano, tayo ay ‘maka-Diyos kaya makabayan.’ Ang totoong maka-Diyos ay makabayan, dahil kabayanihan ang dulot ng kabanalan; at sa totoong kabanalan, kasama ang paglilingkod para sa katarungan,” he added. (Jel Santos)
