Let truth rise: Walking together against corruption

We are deeply concerned by incessant reports of widespread corruption, particularly the misuse of public funds intended for infrastructure and disaster response. These are not mere administrative oversights; they represent profound moral failures that cause real harm, especially to the poor, the displaced, and the voiceless. When public money meant to protect lives is stolen, it is the poor who drown, both in literal floodwaters and in the flood of impurity, greed, and injustice. In the same way, when public trust is shattered and systems meant to serve the common good are compromised, it is the most vulnerable who suffer most.

We approach this crisis with a Gospel-rooted desire for truth, compassion, and transformation. We understand corruption not only as a political or legal issue but as a spiritual wound—one that undermines the dignity of persons and the common good of our society.

Large crowds gathered across different locations on Sept. 21 to express the nation’s collective sentiment. Yet, as with many national issues, impassioned investigations sparked intense discussions only to give way to enigmatic paralysis. The once-spirited voices gradually faded, eventually drowned out by the next wave of public concerns. For this reason, we commit to continue walking alongside all sectors of society: faith communities of all religions and denominations, government agencies, civil institutions, grassroots movements, and individuals in the shared pursuit of truth, accountability, and justice. We persist in raising our voices to demand immediate and transparent investigations into these grave allegations. The truth must be brought into the light, those responsible must be held to account, and justice must be served—openly, fearlessly, and without delay. As Jesus reminds us, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6) May this hunger guide us toward a society rooted in justice, compassion, and shared responsibility. Far from judging or condemning others, or sowing division, the call arises from deep love for our nation and a steadfast hope for a future built on truth and unity. In light of this, we refuse to remain silent in the face of corruption, because silence is complicity, and inaction is betrayal.

We call on the President, Cabinet officials, Congress—senators and members of the House of Representatives—the judiciary, and every public servant to honor their constitutional responsibilities by taking decisive action to restore integrity to their institutions—if not out of conscience, then at the very least in the name of public decency. We likewise call upon Filipinos, whether at home or overseas, to remain vigilant and unwavering with vigorous, yet peaceful and prayerful resolve, grounded in reason and sobriety. Graft and corruption are not merely administrative failures, but criminal abuses of power made worse by the misappropriation of funds intended for the common good.

We continue our mission to work with all sectors of society, especially the poor and marginalized, toward a future where justice is not just an aspiration, but a lived reality. Together with our founder, St. Arnold Janssen, we pray: “May the darkness of sin and the nights of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of Grace, and may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all.”

DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES