FIGHT CORRUPTION OR PERISH!

The Bishop of Balanga, Socrates B. Villegas, wrote this to right our moral compass.

“To steal is wrong. It is a crime. It is a sin. When
stealing is done by those high up in power and authority, it
carries a greater culpability. The corruption of the best is
the worst. The social problem of graft and corruption in
public life in our country has reached abominable and
embarrassing proportions. How shall we describe graft and
corruption in our country? It is systemic. It is rewarding.
It hurts the poor the most.

Graft and corruption is systemic and structural. It is not
only individual or isolated persons who corrupt and get
corrupted. The present system—the elected and the
electors, the employers and the employees, the appointed and
the appointing powers—has become so corrupt that what we
do need is a radical, systemic, interior change. Changing
personages through the electoral process or even through
legal processes like impeachment and court suits will not
necessarily result in reform unless there is a willingness
to change from the heart and soul. Pinning our hopes on
legal processes unaccompanied by conversion from within will
lead us to nowhere but deeper frustrations. We can hear the
protest “Tama na. Sobra na. Alis na. Kami naman!”.
It is important that those who investigate or prosecute
corrupt officials will not gain political or financial
benefits from convicting or absolving the accused.

Graft and corruption is rewarding and rewarded. It is
hardly punished. The politicization of the judiciary and the
perennial rumors about rogues in robes are problems we need
to address urgently. Vigilance is lacking. Political will is
weak. Prosecution plays favorites. The penal system is
flawed. Pardon and clemency is cheap. Among our people,
there is an increasing level of tolerance for corrupt
officials. Corruption does not seem to anger many of us
anymore. We are not outraged enough by graft and corruption.
Widespread graft has sadly numbed our morals.

The public money that goes to graft is money stolen from
the poor. Because of graft and corruption, schools
buildings cannot be constructed and teachers are not paid;
public hospitals cannot protect us from untimely death;
soldiers are deprived of their just wages.

Our biggest problem in our country is graft and corruption.
This problem must be faced courageously now. We are risking
the life of our nation if we continue to ignore it. I appeal
to the consciences of our countrymen. Do not leave the
solution of graft and corruption to corrupt officials. Our
problem cannot be our solution. Let us come together as
Catholic faithful to fight the sin of graft and corruption.
We cannot profess faith in God and not get angry at
widespread graft and corruption. Faith in God and outrage at
sin go together. Outrage is not enough; it must lead to
action. If we are not outraged by the sin of stealing
happening all over our once beautiful land, could it be that
our faith has turned cold and uncaring? If your faith has
turned cold and uncaring, how can you be saved? Fight
corruption or lose your soul!”