CBCP head to execs: Follow the ‘light,’ return stolen wealth
Admit your wrongdoings, repent and return the stolen public wealth. These are the ways to seek forgiveness for the corruption that has compromised government service and public welfare, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said on Thursday.
The Kalookan bishop and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued that statement as he reiterated his call to end corruption in the country and the solidarity of the Catholic Church, with the clamor for accountability and justice in the plunder and misuse of public funds.
“Return the stolen money and end the political system that has used the people’s funds for selfish interests and made communities weak and dependent, always relying on ayuda (assistance),” David said in a Facebook video posted by CBCP News, the news service of the CBCP.
‘Set things right’
Several lawmakers and other government officials, as well as private contractors, have been implicated in allegations of kickbacks related to flood control projects nationwide. Since the launching of congressional hearings, cases have been filed against those primarily involved in the alleged scheme.
David called on the perpetrators and their cohorts to heed these three ways to attain genuine peace and forgiveness.“First, admit one’s shortcomings or sins. Second, remorse for the damage you have caused in society. And third, return what you stole and set things right for the country’s good,” he said.
“True forgiveness can only be realized when there is admission, regret and [a return of what was stolen],” he said.
‘Love, not corruption’
David also called on public servants and uniformed personnel to always abide by the Constitution and not treat public service as a means to advance their personal interests.
He asked the people, regardless of their beliefs, to help build a secure and safe community.
“With the help of God and the Filipino people’s courage, the light will prevail over the darkness, the truth instead of lies, and love instead of corruption,” he said.
