Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes called on Filipinos to fight corruption by starting with self-conversion and embracing genuine change.
“Corruption is a moral evil that is besetting our country. We pray that this realization would come that each one actually contributes to this evil in small ways and big ways,” Cortes told the Philippine News Agency on Sunday.
He warned that petty lies, deception, and small-scale stealing could grow into larger forms of corruption. Genuine reform, he stressed, should begin with individuals and not depend solely on government.
After Sunday’s 6 a.m. Masses, parishes across Negros Oriental and Siquijor simultaneously read a diocesan statement condemning corruption, urging accountability, transparency, and good governance while rejecting violence.
“Corruption is a sin that afflicts not only institutions but the very soul of a nation. It betrays the poor, exploits the vulnerable and undermines the common good,” the statement read.
The prelate cited Pope Francis, who emphasized accountability and transparency as antidotes to abuse. Cortes also lamented the persistence of “under the table” transactions even for basic documents, saying such practices must stop.
He added that corruption not only robs the country of billions through anomalous flood control projects but also erodes the moral fabric of society.
“This is not a fight for government or law enforcement alone, but is a call for moral awakening. The burden and the hope lie with all of us, including the Church,” the diocese said.
