Ecumenical bishops have denounced the massive corruption scandal involving government flood-control projects, calling it a betrayal of public trust and a “moral disgrace and anathema” to the Filipino people.
The Ecumenical Bishops Forum (EBF) said the misuse of climate and infrastructure funds exposes “an unholy collusion of amoral interest among shameful public officials, and some unscrupulous bloodsuckers.”
They warned that flood-control structures remain “useless and ineffectual” due to “ghost projects,” overpriced contracts, and substandard materials.
“This scam is a clear betrayal of the public trust because it keeps billions of pesos from going to the most vulnerable populations, such as farmers and the urban poor,” the bishops said.
The forum underscored that funds “supposed to go to important infrastructure have been stolen, putting people in danger.”
Culture of impunity
The bishops said the scandal reflects “a more profound, systemic challenge within governance,” adding that the public views the issue “as a stark revelation of a culture of impunity, where greed undermines public trust and obstructs national progress.”
They demanded “complete transparency, open bidding processes, independent audits, and the prosecution of all individuals involved, irrespective of their status.”
They also urged Filipinos to “advocate for reforms and safeguard public funds.”
Quoting Isaiah 1:23, the bishops recalled, “Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.”
Government probes
The controversy has prompted investigations in Congress, with the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee focusing on implicated officials and contractors.
Some have been removed from office, while the new Public Works and Highways Secretary vowed to “purge” the agency of “bad eggs.”
Contractors under oath have named prominent politicians as beneficiaries of the scheme.
The bishops expressed hope that the investigations would lead to genuine justice, urging authorities to ensure accountability for all those involved and to avoid any form of cover-up or whitewashing.
They ended the statement with a reminder from Deuteronomy 16:19: “Do not pervert justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the innocent.”
The statement was signed by leaders of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, United Methodist Church, Iglesia Filipina Independiente, and the Roman Catholic Church.
