Manila: In a nation wrestling with political turmoil and growing disillusionment, Filipino Catholics are turning to prayer and fasting as a form of moral resistance and a call for national renewal. Catholic organizations, dioceses, and academic institutions across the Philippines have launched initiatives aimed at promoting integrity in governance, electoral reforms, and an end to entrenched political dynasties.
The country’s political scene has been shaken in recent months: the Supreme Court blocked impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, the Senate abandoned its hearings on the matter, and concerns have mounted over alleged “phantom” flood-control projects, questionable mining licenses in environmentally sensitive regions, and corruption scandals. For many Filipinos, the crises have eroded confidence in democratic institutions.
Responding to this climate, faith-based groups have stepped forward. The Vatican’s news agency Fides reports that several Catholic communities have launched spiritual campaigns of fasting and prayer to reawaken civic responsibility among the faithful and to advocate for political change “for the common good of the nation.”
At the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios Parish in Quezon City, Fr. Robert Reyes known as the “running priest” and a member of the Clergy for Good Governance (CGG) led a penitential service alongside fellow priests. The gathering was both spiritual and political, underscoring the clergy’s commitment to morality in public service.
“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 CGG wrote in an open letter, emphasizing that truth and justice must prevail even in times when they appear distorted or silenced.
The group has also appealed to lawmakers and judges, urging them to safeguard justice. Their campaign included a week of prayer dedicated to government officials, particularly senators and justices, with the hope they act with conscience for the nation’s welfare.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in July which struck down the impeachment process against Vice President Duterte as unconstitutional has stirred widespread frustration. Duterte had faced allegations of misusing public funds and conspiring to assassinate the President. A group of priests and lay leaders have since filed a petition seeking a review of the ruling.
“The decision has shaken people’s faith in our democratic institutions,” said one CGG priest, noting that while protests continue on the streets, the Church’s contribution will remain rooted in prayer, sacrifice, and steadfast witness.
Beyond the clergy, lay movements and Catholic institutions have joined the initiative. Caritas Philippines called on public institutions to show “moral courage, the highest integrity, and a strong commitment to the rule of law.” It further challenged leaders to serve the poor and marginalized, whose voices, it said, are often ignored.
Other groups, such as the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture (ISAC) and the Church Café, are organizing prayer gatherings, while academic centers like Ateneo School of Government and De La Salle University have expressed solidarity with the initiatives.
Meanwhile, the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation Commission of the Conference of Religious Superiors of the Philippines encouraged Filipinos not to remain silent in the face of corruption. “Honesty is never useless,” the group declared. “Do not lose hope in the future of our country. This is our mission, and we must not abandon it.”
As the Philippines confronts political uncertainty, the Catholic faithful are seeking to anchor reform not only in policy but in spiritual renewal. With fasting, prayer, and public witness, they hope to restore a sense of trust, justice, and moral leadership in a system many fear is faltering.