CBCP Urges Justice for Flood Control Anomalies
Local leaders and community members have highlighted that true justice in the flood control anomalies case demands more than mere punishment for those responsible. They stress that justice includes the urgent return of stolen funds to the Filipino people.
In a pastoral letter, CBCP President Cardinal Pablo David emphasized the need for restoring what was taken through corrupt means. “True justice demands more than punishment. It also calls for restitution: that stolen wealth be returned to the public coffers from which it was taken,” he said, noting that many involved will not be impoverished by such reparations. However, the nation remains impoverished if these funds are not restored.
Beyond Retribution: Restoring Public Trust
“Retribution in this sense is not personal vengeance but the rightful act of giving back what was stolen, so that the people may finally benefit from resources meant for their welfare,” Cardinal David added, urging a focus on genuine accountability.
Meanwhile, questions arise about the credibility of the ongoing inquiries led by the Senate and House of Representatives. Some officials reported skepticism, pointing out that these institutions themselves are implicated in the anomalies.
“Who inserted these projects into the national budget as pork, often at the expense of education, health, and social programs?” community members asked, underscoring the depth of the issue.
Inclusive Shame for All Involved
Cardinal David called for the term “shame” to be extended beyond a few individuals to include legislators, district engineers, government auditors, and political patrons who share responsibility in the plunder.
He also pointed out that private contractors and financiers who colluded in these anomalies bear equal guilt. “The prophet Isaiah’s words still sting: ‘Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and run after gifts.’ (Isaiah 1:23),” he emphasized.
Calls for visible accountability have grown louder. The public demands swift audits, meaningful penalties, and transparent processes that can be witnessed by all. “Accountability must apply to both public officials and private contractors. Blacklisting is not enough; collusion in corruption is a crime and must be punished,” the CBCP leader said.
Youth Called to Lead Renewal
Amid these controversies, Cardinal David urged the youth to harness their digital platforms to demand accountability and commit to positive change. He outlined several principles for young Filipinos to follow:
- Be vigilant and vocal—Do not allow cynicism to numb outrage.
- Reject patronage politics—Demand integrity in leadership; do not trade votes.
- Model honesty in daily life—Perform every role with integrity.
- Build communities of truth—Share verified information, counter disinformation, and support accountability.
- Join civic and parish initiatives—Collaborate in movements for good governance, ecological justice, and social renewal.
- Support an independent probe—Advocate for an independent committee to investigate corruption in flood-control projects and budget insertions.
- Demand justice, not impunity—Insist on legal actions, including criminal charges, against those guilty of systematic plunder.
- Lead by example in the Church—Encourage dioceses, parishes, and Church institutions to model transparency and accountability.
- Live modestly, resist excess—Urge government, business, and Church to reject extravagance and embrace simplicity and solidarity with the poor.
Hope Amidst the Floods of Corruption
“If floodwaters rise because public funds are stolen, the greater flood is corruption itself, drowning our nation’s future,” Cardinal David remarked, citing the promise in Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
He called for unity in overcoming corruption: “Let us rise above the floods of corruption together. Let justice roll down like waters across our land. Let us rebuild our nation on truth, justice, and the common good.”
For more news and updates on flood control anomalies, visit Filipinokami.com.
