Overcome evils of graft, corruption with goodness—CBCP

MANILA, May 25, 2014–Recognizing recent developments in the ongoing investigation on the pork barrel scandal, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in a pastoral statement on Saturday urged all those implicated in the multibillion-peso racket to cooperate with government authorities in the “pursuit of truth.”

“We invite all those implicated in the pork barrel scam to allow impartial investigation to take place. If they are in public office, they must not use the power of their office to obstruct the pursuit of truth,” said the letter signed by CBCP president Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

Noting that the judiciary is the proper venue to bring out justice, the CBCP called on the Ombudsman, the judicial body in-charge of investigating and prosecuting government officials accused of graft and corrupt practices, to truthfully perform its task of running after “those who are at fault.”

The bishops urged those who are guilty of misusing public funds for their personal agenda to “come out and admit their wrong doings rather than hurling denials and counter-accusations, thus muddling the issue to the confusion of the people.”

‘In utmost good faith’

“What is stolen must be returned. The good name destroyed must be repaired,” the CBCP said, calling on the public to keep the faith and trust to their government. “Let the concern of all be the common good – that people do not lose trust on the institutions of governance and that there may be just restitution of the public money lost.”

Media outfits were reminded to be fair in “protecting the good name of people” and giving “proper forum and proper coverage” to those who have been implicated to explain their actions.

Earlier this week, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Msgr. Josefino Ramirez, then rector of the Quiapo Basilica, was among those who were named recipients of generous donations from the congressional Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), according to the digital records of primary whistleblower Benhur Luy.

Ramirez admitted accepting the donations, but clarified that he did so “in utmost good faith and without any knowledge as to the source of the funds.”

Cannot keep silent

Echoing the words of Pope Francis, the CBCP stressed the church’s obligation “to offer opinions on all that affects people’s lives, since the task of evangelization implies and demands the integral promotion of each human being.”

“We are much saddened by the pork barrel scandal. We are shocked, together with our people, at the amount of money squandered when there are so many in great need,” it said.

Despite the magnitude of corruption being uncovered in this scandal, the CBCP expressed gratefulness that the illegal racket of siphoning public funds to dubious organizations and foundations is finally coming to light through Divine providence.

“Truth ultimately comes out. This should make public officials careful that they do not abuse the trust given to them. This also invites all of us to be vigilant over our public officials. There should be public accountability over public trust,” it said.

The bishops encouraged the faithful not to lose hope in the midst of adversity, exhorting them to intensify their vigilance and participation in the country’s politics.

“Let us not lose hope! As in all situations, we will see the light beyond this crisis. It will make us stronger and more mature. Let us not stop hoping, praying and being concerned and vigilant. Our government is what we make of it,” the CBCP said. (Jennifer M. Orillaza)