“No to whitewash. Yes to full accountability. Only through truth can our nation begin to rebuild trust and ensure that flood control no longer becomes another flood of corruption,” the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared on Monday, October 6, as it called for full transparency in the investigation of alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
In a statement released at noon, the CBCP said the Filipino people are “watching closely” following revelations of massive anomalies in flood control programs.
“After the revelations of massive anomalies in flood control projects, any move to change Senate leadership or redirect investigations now would only heighten public suspicion of a cover-up,” the bishops said.
The CBCP urged all branches of government to uphold the integrity of the inquiry, particularly the work of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), which was established to restore public trust.
“The Independent Commission on Infrastructure was created precisely to restore public trust. It must be empowered to investigate fully and freely, without political interference from any branch of government,” the statement read.
The bishops recommended that the ICI’s mandate should include transparency in its proceedings, access to all relevant documents and witnesses, including those covered by political privilege, public disclosure of project allocations and budget insertions, and protection for whistleblowers and technical personnel who act in good faith.
“We strongly oppose any attempt to preempt or derail the investigation through backroom deals, leadership takeovers, or selective justice. A nation cannot heal when its moral arteries are clogged by corruption and self-interest,” the CBCP said.
“Let the truth flow freely. Let the ICI do its work—thoroughly, transparently, and without fear or favor,” it added.
The bishops invited the faithful to join a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance, which was announced on Sunday, Oct. 5. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
