Following a massive protest called the “Trillion Peso March,” a group of Catholic Bishops has publicly called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take stronger action against government corruption.
In statement released on September 22, the Church Leaders Council for National Transformation (CLCNT), which organized the protest, thanked the thousands of Filipinos who gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument.
They described the event as a peaceful show of unity, with people wearing white to symbolize their demand for change.
The bishops presented a list of five urgent demands to the President:
1. Speed up justice: Investigate and imprison those guilty of corruption and make them return stolen money.
2. Check officials’ wealth: Require all government officials, including the President, to make their Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) public.
3. Stop political dynasties and secret funds: End the practice of political families holding multiple offices and abolish “pork barrel” and confidential funds that lack transparency.
4. Let the people participate: Allow citizens to have a voice in how the national budget is created and spent.
5. Demand integrity: Ensure all government workers act with honesty and morality.
The bishops also had a message for young people, encouraging them to be “warriors of truth” online by challenging lies and exposing corruption.
To President Marcos, Bishop Robbie Gaa said, “He must prove that no official, however powerful, is untouchable.”
They challenged him to be a leader who is “transparent, accountable, and just,” and to ensure that no one is spared from prosecution. — iNewsPH.com
