The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged Filipinos—especially the youth—to take an active role in confronting corruption, warning that widespread graft continues to rob communities of vital services.
In a pastoral letter on anomalies in flood-control projects, the bishops called on young people to use their voices and digital platforms to build a culture of accountability.
“You hold the keys to a new culture. Expose injustice, share facts, demand reforms. Make corruption shameful again,” the bishops said.
Signed by CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, the statement linked kickbacks and commissions in public works to systemic poverty, stressing that billions in stolen funds have resulted in weak and substandard infrastructure.
The bishops pressed for restitution of stolen wealth, criminal charges against those guilty of large-scale theft, and the creation of an independent probe into budget insertions and flood-control projects.
They also acknowledged lapses within the Church, noting that silence and inconsistent witness have sometimes undermined its moral authority. “This call begins with us,” the letter said.
The CBCP outlined nine steps toward renewal, including rejecting patronage politics, promoting honesty in daily life, strengthening civic and parish engagement, and fostering “communities of truth” to counter disinformation.
“Visible accountability—quick audits, real penalties, and transparency people can see—must be the norm,” the bishops emphasized.
