By Roy Lagarde
CBCP News
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, CBCP president, speaks before thousands of protesters at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sept. 21 to denounce government corruption and press for accountability. NIKKO BALBEDINA
A ranking Catholic bishop on Sunday appealed to those implicated in alleged anomalies in the government’s flood control projects to come forward as witnesses against corruption, assuring them of sanctuary in the Church.
Speaking before thousands of protesters gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said it is “not too late” for officials and contractors to redeem themselves if they are willing to tell the truth.
“Many of our countrymen have fallen into the ravine of corruption. They can still repent,” said the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, holding his bishop’s crosier.
He likened the staff to a shepherd’s crook used to rescue lost sheep, stressing the Church’s readiness to shelter whistleblowers.
“If they need the protection of the Church, those who want to speak the truth—but only the truth—we will open our churches as a sanctuary,” he said.
But David also warned of accountability for those who continue to plunder public funds.
“Because this is a shepherd’s crook, it can also be used to strike the wild dogs and crocodiles who squander the people’s money,” he said, drawing cheers from the crowd that responded with chants of “Jail the corrupt now!”
The cardinal’s call came amid mounting public anger over corruption allegations in flood control projects that critics say worsened the devastation of recent storms.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have launched investigations into the projects, but church leaders and other critics have questioned Congress’ credibility, noting that some lawmakers are linked to contractors.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also formed an independent body to probe irregularities in infrastructure projects.
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