The social action arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines has urged dioceses across the country to join the September 21 mobilization against corruption.
Caritas Philippines emphasized the importance of unity and people’s participation in what it described as a crucial battle for the nation’s future.
In a statement, the organization urged dioceses in the regions to “join similar mobilizations,” while those in the capital region were asked to “plan and organize to send a contingent to join the mobilization in the EDSA Shrine.”
The appeal marks the first step in Caritas’ effort to put into action its four priorities: “Demand Truth and Accountability, Pursue Justice, Educate and Mobilize, and Strengthen People’s Participation.”
Caritas emphasized the importance of tackling corruption in infrastructure projects, particularly the “substandard, unfinished and ghost flood control projects and other infrastructure projects.”
It said this requires “demanding the truth to know the guilty parties involved in the public and private sectors.”
The group also called for “exacting accountability, pursuing justice, and establishing a long-term process and procedure where we, the citizens of the republic, can participate in the monitoring of government spending as a permanent mechanism to curb corruption in government.”
The bishops leading the call urged Catholic communities, including Basic Ecclesial Communities, to stay informed and actively engaged.
They stressed that confronting corruption is a vital struggle for the nation’s political, economic, and moral future, especially for the next generation of Filipinos.
“Let us be active in pursuing the truth, accountability, and justice,” said Caritas Philippines.
The statement was signed by Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines and bishop of Kidapawan, and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, incoming president of Caritas Philippines.
