CBCP questions credibility of Congress probe on flood control project mess

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is questioning the credibility of the Senate and the House of Representatives’ inquiries on alleged corrupt flood control projects as some lawmakers are implicated in the mess.

"In recent hearings, the rebuke 'Mahiya naman kayo!' was directed only at contractors. But shame must be inclusive: legislators, district engineers, government auditors, and political patrons also share in the plunder," CBCP President Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said in a statement Saturday, Sept. 6.

The CBCP said on top of blacklisting, erring contractors should be punished as “collusion in corruption is a crime.”

It added true justice calls for restoration, pushing for the return of “stolen wealth” to public coffers.

The CBCP called on the youth to be vigilant.

“You live in the digital space where truth and lies battle daily,” it said. “Expose injustice, share facts, demand reforms. Make corruption shameful again."

The CBCP further urged the public to take the following steps to combat corruption:

+ Be vigilant and vocal

+ Reject patronage politics

+ Model honesty in daily life

+ Build communities of truth

+ Join civic and parish initiatives

+ Support an independent probe

+ Demand justice, not impunity

+ Lead by example in the church

+ Live modestly, resist excess

“Let us rise above the floods of corruption together. Let justice roll down like waters across our land. Let us rebuild our nation on truth, justice, and the common good,” it said.