AS A PEOPLE of faith, we must never forget. We must not ignore, conceal, or allow to fade from memory the cheating, theft, and loss of life caused by corruption, especially in the misuse of public funds such as flood‐control projects.
We know that the problem does not lie in one agency alone; it is far wider, far deeper, and far more damaging to our nation.
The Blue Ribbon investigations must continue. Not selectively, not as a political weapon, not as a means of escape, but as a path toward truth and accountability.
And now, as rains return and floods rise again, we see the consequences of corruption. We suffer because of the greed of those who were entrusted with public service such as politicians, contractors, and officials who were reminded, “Have some shame.”
Let there be remorse. Those responsible show no repentance. They are neither caught nor punished. We hear only speeches, grandstanding, and excuses.
Let there be reparation.
What was stolen must be returned. Justice must be applied- to anyone, to everyone, without fear or favor.
In Our Diocese, we respond in faith. We pray for justice to prevail, for conversion of hearts, for leaders who place the welfare of the people above personal ambition and political survival.
We offer all June 28 Sunday Masses for this intention: that our government officials may think first of the common good, the poor, the vulnerable, and the future of our children.
We toll our church bells at 6:00 AM, 12:00 noon, and 6:00 PM. Let these bells become: the cry of our suffering people, the call for us to stand with them, the alarm that God sees all, knows all, and will judge all.
This is our Christian duty. To remember. To speak the truth. To demand justice. To pray for conversion. To stand with the people. To walk in the light.
May the Lord of justice and mercy strengthen us. May Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage intercede for our nation.
Stand for justice. Pray for national healing. Reflect on moral leadership.
(Editor’s Note: Ruperto Cruz Santos, also known as Bishop Stude, is a Filipino prelate of the Catholic Church. Santos is the fifth and current Bishop of Antipolo since July 22, 2023. He is the president of the Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines)
