The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Monday, October 6, urged government officials to let the investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects proceed freely and without political interference.
In a statement, CBCP president Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio S. David said the Filipino people are watching how officials respond to the corruption revelations and warned that any attempt to change Senate leadership or redirect inquiries will only deepen public suspicion of a cover-up.
“After the revelations of massive anomalies in flood control projects, any move to change Senate leadership or redirect investigations now would only heighten public suspicion of a cover-up,” the CBCP said.
The bishops called on Congress and Malacañang to prove that they serve the common good rather than partisan interests. They said the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) must carry out its mandate to restore public trust by investigating the corruption allegations “fully and freely.”
The CBCP urged the government to empower the ICI to maintain transparency in its proceedings, gain access to all documents and witnesses, disclose budget insertions and duplicate projects, and protect whistleblowers who testify in good faith.
“We strongly oppose any attempt to pre-empt or derail the investigation through backroom deals, leadership takeovers, or selective justice,” the bishops said. “A nation cannot heal when its moral arteries are clogged by corruption and self-interest.”
The bishops described the moment as a test of the government’s commitment to public accountability.
They said the country can rebuild trust only if officials allow the truth to emerge and hold those involved in corruption responsible.
“No to a whitewash. Yes to full accountability,” the CBCP declared. “Only through truth can our nation begin to rebuild trust and ensure that flood control no longer becomes another flood of corruption.”
The CBCP also invited the public to join a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance to seek integrity and moral renewal in government.
The bishops opened their message with a verse from the Gospel of Luke: “Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light.”
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, maintains a personal blog on Medium, and is the communications officer of Hope Builders Organization Negros Island.