ASIA/PHILIPPINES - Bishops: "Corruption is the result of "withered hands"

Quezon City (Agenzia Fides) – Corruption and social injustice are the result of "withered hands" that deprive citizens of goods and resources. Drawing on the Gospel story of Jesus healing a man's withered hand (Mark 3:1-6), Bishop Dave Dean Capucao of the Territorial Prelature of Infanta, east of Manila, reminded the faithful of "the need to address systemic injustices instead of hiding from them." "Many hands are withered today because the theft of public funds has become systemic," Capucao said during a Mass celebrated with other bishops at Cubao Cathedral in Quezon City on January 21, as part of a study seminar in preparation for the 131st Assembly of the Philippine Bishops, which will take place from January 23-26. Regarding corruption, the bishop stated that the theft of public funds “leaves deep moral and social wounds that require repentance and healing, not silence or excuses from religious and civil leaders.” Corruption, he added, harms both society and the moral character of those involved, and therefore it is urgently necessary to address “the deeper social and spiritual causes that keep people trapped in poverty and exclusion.”
In this context, Msgr. Capucao also urged bishops and church leaders not to be “detached administrators” who focus on rules and “ignore the suffering communities affected by hunger, inequality, and abuse of power.” The bishop reiterated that the church community is called to actively combat injustice, stand with the marginalized, and fight corruption and inequality “with decisive and compassionate action.”
The assembly of the Philippine Bishops is being held as the country is shaken by a social and political crisis that has gripped its institutions. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faces impeachment proceedings over corruption allegations (bribes related to flood control projects) and the manner in which former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. Analysts say that while President Marcos's impeachment is unlikely to succeed, it could still damage his reputation. Vice President Sara Duterte also faces new allegations of misuse of public funds and corruption, brought by a civil society group, after an impeachment attempt against her last year was declared as unconstitutional.
Observers say this situation signals that national politics is heading toward a new wave of internal power struggles, particularly due to the power struggle between the Marcos and Duterte clans. “The long-standing problem of corruption, which is now at the center of public debate, particularly in connection with the oversight of flood control projects, is becoming highly politicized,” confirms Father Pedro C. Quitorio, head of the media office of the Philippine Episcopal Conference, in an interview with Fides. “The bishops address this moral issue on numerous occasions,” Father Quitorio notes, “in their homilies, such as during the large gathering for the Feast of the Black Nazarene at the Quiapo Basilica in Manila, which drew hundreds of thousands of faithful,” he emphasizes. “This will certainly be one of the topics discussed at the Episcopal Conference assembly as well,” he affirms, since “the issue touches upon the moral and spiritual sphere of every citizen, every politician, every community, and the nation.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 22/1/2025)

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