Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez met with four Bacolod priests Monday, Oct. 20, for a dialogue on issues of corruption, moral renewal, and the city’s continuing flood control problems.
Joining the meeting were Fr. Aniceto “Mao” Buenafe Jr., Fr. Armando “Arman” Onion, Fr. Filomeno “Menong” Duaban, and Fr. Hermes “Mench” Fabio.
With Benitez were Vice Mayor Claudio Puentevella, Councilors Caesar Distrito, Thaddy Sayson, Celia Flor, and Al Espino, who expressed their support for collaborative measures between the Church and local government toward moral recovery and good governance.
Benitez said he earlier met with Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo’ David and they talked about the moral and ethical challenges confronting public service.
Also discussed during the meeting was corruption in infrastructure projects, the Bacolod solon said.
According to Benitez, Cardinal David underscored that confession, contrition, restitution, and penance are essential to genuine moral renewal, stressing that “there can be no reconciliation without truth.”
The cardinal also cautioned against allowing political expediency to prevail over the welfare of the people.
Meanwhile, during the dialogue with the members of the Bacolod clergy, Benitez explained the causes of Bacolod’s flood control problems and discussed reforms to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of public works.
He informed the clergy that he supports a proposed ordinance requiring the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct prior consultations and coordination with the city government before undertaking any national projects in Bacolod.
The priests, led by Fr. Buenafe, expressed their full support for the planned Flood Summit initiated by Benitez.
They commended his courage in condemning immoral actions within the very institution to which he belongs.
The priests also proposed several moral and social initiatives, including a Moral Recovery Program to start at the barangay level, with recollections for city and barangay officials, and potentially extending to purok chairpersons.
The proposed program, however, will not deter the church from seeking the truth regarding the anomalous flood control projects and undermine concerned citizens’ efforts in investigating those projects, the members of the clergy said.
The dialogue also discussed the revival of anti-mendicancy campaigns and proposed a voluntary recollection among city officials as a symbolic act of humility and accountability.
Rep. Benitez and the city officials who joined the meeting welcomed the proposals and affirmed their commitment to partner with the Church in advancing truth, integrity, and moral leadership in Bacolod City. ||
