Two Catholic leaders have spoken out against systemic corruption in government flood-control projects, warning that the real disaster drowning the Philippines is the betrayal of public trust.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), posted a message on his social media page on September 1 describing corruption as the “flood that drowns our future.”
He questioned the credibility of the ongoing Senate investigation into alleged anomalies in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“An investigation is underway in the Senate on corruption in flood-control projects. But let’s be honest: can politicians credibly investigate the very system many of them also benefit from?” David wrote.
He recalled revelations on the “anatomy of corruption” in infrastructure projects, saying that commissions and layers of grease money leave only “about forty percent or less for the budget.”
He stressed that with so little left for actual implementation, substandard projects and repeated repairs are inevitable.
The prelate also criticized selective accountability, noting that rebukes during Senate hearings have been directed only at contractors.
“Consistent with the SONA sound bite, in the latest hearings, the sharp rebuke ‘Mahiya naman kayo!’ (Shame on you!) was directed only at contractors. Shouldn’t the shame be more ‘inclusive’? Aren’t there also congressmen, senators, district engineers, government auditors, and political patrons who share in the plunder?” he asked.
David said ordinary Filipinos feel “trapped” in a system where survival politics, patronage, and disinformation have normalized corruption.
He pointed to how utang na loob (debt of gratitude) and pakikisama (conformity or smooth interpersonal relations) have been weaponized to sustain political dynasties and corruption.
Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos of Antipolo echoed the same concerns in his pastoral reflection “Accountability and Conscience,” released after revelations about the flood-control projects.
He warned that the issue goes beyond missing infrastructure.
“Makonsensya. (Listen to your conscience.) Shame may fade, but the voice of conscience endures. When billions are allocated to protect lives and livelihoods, and yet the waters rise and the projects remain invisible, it is not just concrete that is missing—it is compassion,” Santos wrote.
He reminded public officials that ghost projects may escape human oversight but not divine justice.
“The Blue Ribbon hearings may be televised, but true judgment is eternal. If these proceedings are but theater, then the audience—the Filipino people—deserve truth, not performance”.
Both bishops stressed that accountability and reform must begin at the top, but also require personal integrity from ordinary citizens.
David warned that tolerating small acts of dishonesty sustains the culture of corruption, while Santos urged leaders to “Magbayad puri” (make amends and take responsibility) by restoring what has been taken.
David also appealed to the youth to use their digital platforms for vigilance, saying, “Expose injustice, share facts, demand reforms. Make corruption shameful again.”
