The head of the Catholic hierarchy said repentance—not rhetoric—is what the nation needs, urging those involved in the flood control scandal to confess, make amends, and return stolen funds.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, said the Church stands with the people in demanding truth and accountability in the alleged misuse of public funds for flood control projects nationwide.
In a video message, David outlined what he called the “essential” steps of Christian reconciliation for those burdened by guilt and the pain carried by their families.
“First, confession— the courage to admit the wrong that has been done and the good that was left undone,” David said.
“Second, contrition— the sincere remorse for the harm inflicted on our people and our institutions,” he added, calling it vital for moral conversion and healing.
“And third, penance through restitution—the willingness to repair the damage and return what has been taken,” he said, stressing that restitution completes repentance.
David said that when these steps are present, forgiveness becomes not only possible but transformative for both the wrongdoer and the nation seeking reconciliation.
He said true repentance must go beyond words, insisting that genuine healing requires justice and the restoration of what was taken from the people.
The cardinal warned that corruption and patronage politics continue to weaken institutions and trap communities in poverty by treating public funds as personal property.
“Stolen public funds must be returned,” David said. “The machinery of patronage politics, one that breeds dependency, keeps our communities poor and treats public funds as personal property, must finally come to an end.”
He said real reform begins with moral renewal—admitting wrongdoing, seeking forgiveness and committing to repair the harm done to the nation and its people.
