CBCP Calls for Comprehensive Corruption Probe
MANILA – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged a thorough investigation into corruption in flood control projects. The bishops emphasized that accountability must extend beyond contractors to include legislators, engineers, auditors, and political patrons involved in these schemes.
In a pastoral letter signed by CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David and released late Saturday, the Church leaders stressed that public indignation over the corruption must be broad and inclusive. “Mahiya naman kayo!” (Have shame!) was reportedly directed only at contractors during recent hearings, but the CBCP insists that shame must be shared among all parties involved.
Inclusive Accountability Urged
“Equally guilty are private contractors and financiers who collude in this racket,” Cardinal David stated. The bishops pointed out that the corruption network involves multiple layers of government and private sectors, calling for a collective responsibility.
Sources noted that the CBCP also raised concerns about the credibility of the investigating bodies themselves. They questioned how impartial inquiries can be when the institutions conducting them may also be implicated in the corruption.
Questioning the Budget Process
The letter further questioned the insertion of these national flood control projects into the budget as pork barrel items. This often comes at the expense of vital sectors such as education, health, and social services, officials reported. The bishops urged the public to scrutinize how these projects find their way into government spending.
Restitution Over Punishment
True justice, the CBCP said, requires more than just punishing wrongdoers. It calls for the restitution of stolen funds back to the public treasury. “Stolen wealth be returned to the public coffers from which it was taken. Many of those implicated will not be impoverished by such reparation, yet the nation remains poor if the funds are not restored,” the letter read.
Calls for Independent Investigation and Civic Vigilance
The CBCP supports the formation of an independent committee to thoroughly investigate anomalies in flood control projects and budget insertions. Community members and local leaders alike were encouraged to use digital platforms to promote vigilance, truth, and demand reforms, especially urging the youth to take part.
“This challenge is not only for government, business or contractors. It is for all of us, including the Church. We too have often failed, whether by silence, by tolerating corruption in our own ranks, or by not setting a consistent example of integrity. That is why this call begins with us,” the letter concluded.
For more news and updates on corruption in flood control projects, visit Filipinokami.com.
