The Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines–Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission (CMSP–JPICC) and its mission partners on September 26 denounced the corruption in government, branding it “a betrayal of public trust” and “a moral wound against the poor and the nation.”
The statement was released during a Misa ng Bayan held at the Religious of the Good Shepherd Convent in Quezon City.
The Mass was presided over by Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr., CMF, and offered “as a solemn call for peace, justice, and righteousness in the face of corruption and widespread misuse of public funds.”
A nation ‘still drowning’
The religious superiors said their indignation is fueled by “massive irregularities in flood control projects and the unexplained confidential funds of higher officials.”
“Sixteen years later, the waters rise again—not only in rivers and streets but in the corruption that floods our government,” the group declared, citing the anniversary of Typhoon Ondoy that devastated Metro Manila in 2009.
Quoting Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium, the religious superiors said the scandal of corruption” is a greater evil than sin itself, for it hardens the heart and destroys social trust,” adding that “corruption kills—it destroys lives, weakens institutions, and mocks the common good.”
Prophetic duty of consecrated life
The group stressed that silence is not an option for consecrated persons. “Our vows to poverty, chastity, and obedience are not escapes from the world’s problems but a radical commitment to the Gospel, which commands us to defend the poor, the excluded, and the oppressed.”
They invoked Pope Francis’ call for Catholic engagement in politics, adding, “Our ‘meddling’ is prophetic, born not of ambition but of conscience, not of ideology but of fidelity to Christ, who stood with the crucified of his time.”
A call for accountability
Anchored on Micah 6:8 — “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” — CMSP–JPICC set out its demands:
“Public resources must serve the people, not enrich the powerful. Flood control funds must protect communities, not line the pockets of those in power. Confidential funds must be transparent, justified, and accountable—or abolished.”
The group warned that corruption is a form of discrimination against the poor because “it steals from those who have the least.”
Indignation turned into hope
The gathering ended with a candlelight prayer along Aurora Boulevard, where participants lit candles as a sign of protest and remembrance.
“The people will not forget, the poor will not be silenced, and justice will not be delayed forever,” the statement concluded.
