Corruption offends God

A family member dying because of lack of medical treatment, the poor remaining homeless and children from poor families remaining malnourished and staying out of school due to years of government stealing—these are some of the scenarios that the Pork Barrel controversy has brought when it came out in the open.
But more than expressing grievances over the stepping of democracy and responsible citizenship, the issue of stealing should be seen in the light of hurting God.
In his pastoral statement, the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Archbishop Jose Palma said the commandments of God are being violated and it is not just an offense of malicious unscrupulous citizens or betrayal of elected public officials but also an offense against God who commands: “Thou shall not steal and Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.”
“Our first response to the pork barrel issue must be not protest but contrition. We are not just victims of a corrupt system. We have all, in one way or another, contributed to this worsening social cancer—through our indifferent silence or through our cooperation when we were benefitting from the sweet cake of graft and corruption,” the CBCP President said.
“Government corruption is an act of terrorism against our poor and our children,” he added.
His statement also came out in time for the September 7’s call of Pope Francis for prayer and fasting for Syria and the world wherein he also calls the entire Filipino nation to join in the said prayer and fasting in solidarity with the pope.
The archbishop of Cebu also lined up the moral stand on behalf of the entire members of the CBCP.
As we bow our heads to seek the Lord’s pardon and forgiveness for our sins against peace, we also stand up as your pastors to teach you that it is your Christian duty to transform society and restore all things in Christ.

1. Integrity must be restored in the conduct of public office. Every government official from the rank and file to the highest executive must prove themselves worthy of the title “Honorable”.

2. According to our moral judgment, the present pork barrel practice in government is fertile ground for graft and corruption. Promoting the politics of patronage, it is contrary to the principles of stewardship, transparency and accountability. It is immoral to continue this practice.

3. The wheels of law and justice must roll swiftly so that we can immediately punish the errant, restore what has been stolen and return to moral conduct. “Hate evil and love good and let justice prevail…” (Amos 5,15)
4. We call on our pastors of souls to educate our people in their political duties as good citizens. We cannot be good Christians if we are not good citizens, and good citizenship in a democracy calls for participation and vigilance. This we do not only during elections but all the time. It is but right that citizens demand accountability and transparency.

5. We call on all Filipinos of goodwill, especially among our Catholic faithful, not to stand idly by in this moment of truth. Let us be concerned and let this concern be manifested in our assiduous search for the truth in the spirit of prayer and solidarity. Prayer will make us humble and open; solidarity will make us strong.

6. Stewardship is greatly wanting in our country. Positions in the country are public trusts for the service of the common good. As stewards of the people, leaders should be transparent to them and should be open to be held accountable. A crisis is an opportunity. The political crisis we are facing now is an opportunity for our leaders to show that they are ready to be investigated, to set up radical changes for better governance, and to seek for the good that would benefit all, especially the poor and those who suffer.

Abp. Palma also invoked the help of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Peace in praying that despite this pork barrel controversy, all remain hopeful because as people of faith deep in their hearts they believe that “where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more” (Rom 5,20).
“Be concerned! Be discerning! Be involved!” the CBCP President ended.