Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete exhorted the faithful Sept. 21 to fight corruption by beginning with self-conversion and embracing genuine change.
“Corruption is a moral evil that is besetting our country. We pray that this realization would come that each one actually contributes to this evil in small ways and big ways,” Cortes said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency.
He said that petty lies, deception, and stealing in smaller offices could lead to bigger forms of corruption at a higher level.
Cortes said genuine change does not rest on the government alone, but should start with every Filipino.
The diocese issued a statement against corruption, calling for good governance while rejecting violence as the country is saddled with controversies such as anomalies in flood control projects.
A simultaneous reading of the statement was held in all the parishes in the diocese, covering Negros Oriental and Siquijor, after the 6 a.m. Sunday masses.
The prelate said it is a product of the diocese’s Circle of Discernment comprising church and sectoral leaders and other people who “have contributed to what we need to do as a church”.
While there are plenty of “political voices” already rallying for change, the Church also has to speak up and be heard, he added.
Citing the late Pope Francis, who said that the antidote to abuse is accountability, responsibility and transparency, the 69-year-old prelate said this is what is called for today in the Philippines.
The diocese’s statement said there are already laws supposedly guarding the conduct of the country’s government services.
However, Cortes lamented that the Filipino culture is accustomed to shortcuts and bribes for shady and illegal transactions.
Even simple certificates or documents from an office would sometimes require “under the table” deals to hasten a client’s request and this practice should be stopped, he said.
The diocese statement noted how the Filipino people suffer from the billions of pesos lost in government flood control projects that were siphoned off to public officials and private individuals to fund their lavish lifestyles.
“Corruption is a sin that afflicts not only institutions but the very soul of a nation. It betrays the poor, exploits the vulnerable and undermines the common good,” the statement said. “This is not a fight for government or law enforcement alone, but is a call for moral awakening. The burden and the hope lie with all of us, including the Church.” ||
