ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Fasting and prayer for good governance

Manila (Agenzia Fides) - Various Filipino Catholic groups, communities, and associations have launched spiritual initiatives centered on fasting and prayer for the common good of the nation. The aim is to raise awareness among the faithful about good governance, electoral reform, and the end of political dynasties in the Philippines.
Among the issues currently at the center of the political debate in the country are the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, recently blocked by the Supreme Court and abandoned by the Senate; the "phantom" flood control projects throughout the country; the concessions granted to multinational companies for mining in areas of invaluable natural value; and corruption.
In recent days, Father Robert Reyes of the Diocese of Cubao, a member of the Clergy for Good Governance (CGG) group, led a group of priests who organized a penitential service at the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Parish, reaffirming their commitment "to morality in public service." The priests also addressed the Senate, reaffirming their commitment "to genuine change." Participants called for a review of the decision of the senators and Supreme Court justices that blocked the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. As part of the initiative, the group members also organized a week of prayer so that "government officials, especially senators and judges, defend and strive for truth and justice for the good of the nation." The founders of the Clergy for Good Governance movement—launched in November 2025 by 12 bishops and 211 priests in Cubao— explained that they intend to "defend what is just, what is true, and what promotes the common good."
In an open letter, the CGG states: "In these difficult times, when the truth is distorted and justice is threatened, we are called not only to raise our voices, but also to pray, fast, and offer ourselves for the good of our beloved country." "The recent Supreme Court ruling has shaken our people's faith in democratic institutions. While many in civil society have courageously raised their voices in protest, we as clergy are called to a deeper response rooted in faith, repentance, and sacrifice," the letter reads.
Two other religious groups, the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture (ISAC) and the Church Café, hosted prayer meetings with the same goal, while Catholic academic institutions such as the Ateneo School of Government and De La Salle University expressed their support and participation in the initiatives.
In recent weeks, Caritas Philippines also called on the institutions to demonstrate "moral courage, the highest integrity, and a strong commitment to the rule of law" and exhorted them to remain "firmly anchored in justice and accountability grounded in compassion and truth" with the "goal of the well-being of the Filipino people, especially the poor, the marginalized, and those whose voices often go unheard."
The Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Conference of Religious Superiors of the Philippines joined other civil society organizations in affirming that "remaining silent in the face of corruption is complicity in sin."
"Do not be deceived," is the appeal to young people. "Do not believe that honesty is useless. Do not lose hope in the future of our country," say the religious superiors, who wish for "fidelity to truth and justice." "This is the witness of our consecrated life. This is the mission we must not abandon," they declared.
In July 2025, the Supreme Court declared the impeachment proceedings against Sara Duterte unconstitutional by a vote of 13 to 0 (after the Lower House had initiated the proceedings in February of this year). Subsequently, 19 of 24 senators in the Senate voted to dismiss the impeachment charges. Duterte, the 47-year-old daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, had been accused of misuse of public funds and conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Various components of the Philippine Catholic community are calling for further review of the vice president's responsibility. Three priests and two lay people have filed a petition with the Supreme Court requesting a review of the ruling on the vice president's official duties. They also call for Duterte's removal from office.
The groups also call on the judiciary to investigate whether the government of Ferdinado Marcos Jr. is responsible for corruption and the embezzlement of funds for flood control projects, the non-implementation of which led to massive flooding in some parts of the country; and they call for an independent investigation into the corruption and bribery system in the awarding of concessions for large-scale mining projects that endanger indigenous peoples and valuable natural heritage in various regions of the Philippine archipelago. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 30/8/2025)

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