Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - The elimination of corruption is a priority for the good of the country. Politicians, associations, the Catholic community, all citizens must work to promote civil and moral growth. At the end of a stage of recent political history from which President Gloria Arroyo emerged unhurt by accusations of electoral fraud and corruption and the risk impeachment, the Catholic Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan has publicly called for the promotion of moral values in the Philippines.
The Archbishop warned in particular of the danger of jueteng a popular illegal gambling game and the cause of a recent scandal involving members of Gloria Arroyo’s family. He called jueteng "organized extortion" and said ‘jueteng lords’ corrupted state officials and that is why state administration did nothing to fight this evil. It was a question of corruption linked with gambling which toppled President Joseph Estrada in 2001.
Independent observers say jueteng is played in 95% of the territory and feeds affairs worth one billion pesos about 18 million dollars every year.
Archbishop Cruz has tirelessly denounced corruption in the Philippines as one of the worst ailments afflicting the nation and greatest obstacles to economic growth and elimination of poverty. Philippines is low on the annual list compiled by independent observer Transparency International.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/9/2005 righe 24 parole 256)
