Dennis Gaviola

Article (news)

Darylle Sarmiento

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Monday issued a pastoral statement in light with the recent issues stirring the government’s questionable integrity in providing public service and honoring public trust.In the pastoral statement, Cardinal Advincula highlighted the intensity of corruption that has caused immeasurable damage to the nation.“The issue of corruption plaguing our nation cannot be ignored anymore. The catastrophe it has caused is shaking the soul of our country and has awakened the seemingly lethargic resolve of many Filipinos to make a stand against corrupt practices and to demand accountability from the guilty,” wrote Cardinal Advincula.The pastoral statement explicitly expressed that corruption is a form of evil deeds that if left unchecked, will create further damage to society.Cardinal Advincula added, “Corruption is more than just a manifestation of greed. It is a concrete form of evil. If left unchecked, society will be ruined by it, including the core of our humanity, that is, our dignity.”His Eminence expressed his support and rallied behind the organized protests against corruption and demands of accountability from the government.  Cardinal Advincula called it as a “collective moral conviction and an exercise of their rightful obligation”He wrote, “The many organized rallies denouncing corruption and demanding accountability are not merely pockets of political resistance. They are not just expressions of disgust and anger directed at the perpetrators of one of the vilest scams in the history of our nation. They are actually manifestations of the people&#x27;s collective moral conviction and an exercise of their rightful obligation to suppress the proliferation of evil in our midst.”Further saying that in a healthy democratic setting, a citizen’s participation is not merely limited to the election season.Rather, it is a continuous effort to hold public officials accountable for the things the they do and are ought to be done.The nation’s role is just as important as of the government leaders, for the checks and balances in our society, by being vigilant, discerning, and when necessary to protest.Cardinal Advincula wrote “In a healthy democracy, the people&#x27;s fiscalizing participation in governance is not confined to the election season. Rather, it continues between elections, by holding leaders accountable through acts of vigilance, discernment, and - when necessary - protest.”Navigating through the prevailing circumstances, Cardinal Advincula said that the Church at all times should remain as a non-partisan organization.Solidified by its long standing social teachings and backed by its moral obligation it must stand to provide guidance and to inspire the people rather than to divide and disrupt peace in the society.“She must ensure that the political squabbles resulting from this mess will not make corruption merely another political and partisan concern. There should be impartiality and objectivity in understanding these issues, coupled with our duty to promote the common good,” wrote Advincula.His Eminence added, “Politics is not hopelessly irredeemable. As Pope Leo XIV said, echoing the words of his predecessors during the Jubilee of Governments last June, politics can become &quot;the highest form of charity.&quot;In the pastoral statement, Advincula urged the bishops in the CBCP, along with all parishes and religious communities to come together to reflect and discern a concrete yet peaceful actions against corruption.“One with my brother bishops in the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, I, therefore, enjoin all parishes, shrines, chaplaincies, mission stations, and religious communities to conduct prayerful reflections, circles of discernment, and concrete but peaceful and non-violent actions against corruption.”His Eminence said Christians are God-fearing and patriotic. “Bilang mga Kristiyano, tayo ay maka-Diyos kaya makabayan. Ang totoong maka-Diyos ay makabayan, dahil kabayanihan ang dulot ng kabanalan; at sa totoong kabanalan, kasama ang paglilingkod para sa katarungan.”The pastoral statement ended with a reminder to always bear in mind the nation’s and its citizens sake, especially the poor who are most afflicted, above self interest and personal gains.His Eminence urged the people to hope and pray that in the end, truth, justice and peace with prevail over greed.

In a pastoral statement, Cardinal Advincula highlighted the intensity of corruption that has caused immeasurable damage to the nation.

In a pastoral statement, Cardinal Advincula highlighted the intensity of corruption that has caused immeasurable damage to the nation.

Cardinal Advincula issues statement vs corruption, urges Filipinos to demand accountability

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Cardinal Advincula issues statement vs corruption, urges Filipinos to demand accountability

Darylle Sarmiento,

ABS-CBN News

Published Sep 16, 2025 12:46 AM PHT

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Jose Cardinal Advincula

Archdiocese of Manila

corruption

Roman Catholic Church

CBCP

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