Manila: Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula has delivered a strong appeal to Filipinos, urging them to confront corruption not merely as a political issue but as a grave moral evil that erodes both society and the dignity of the human person.
In a pastoral statement issued on September 15, Cardinal Advincula reminded the faithful that democracy is a continuing responsibility beyond election day. “Democracy does not begin and end with elections,” he said, stressing that citizens must hold leaders accountable through vigilance, discernment, and, when necessary, peaceful protest.
The Archbishop underscored that public demonstrations are not partisan actions but “manifestations of the people’s collective moral conviction and an exercise of their rightful obligation to suppress the proliferation of evil in our midst.” He described corruption as “a concrete form of evil,” warning that if left unchecked, it will not only destroy institutions but also corrode human dignity at its very core.
His call comes ahead of nationwide demonstrations scheduled for September 21, the anniversary of martial law. Church leaders, schools, and civic groups plan two major rallies in Metro Manila one in the morning at Luneta Park and another in the afternoon at the People Power Monument in Quezon City, where more than 15,000 participants are expected. Organizers have asked attendees to wear white as a sign of unity and commitment to transparency and accountability.
Cardinal Advincula emphasized that the Church must remain impartial and objective in guiding the faithful to confront corruption, reminding them that politics, when directed toward the common good, “can become the highest form of charity.” Citing Pope Leo XIV’s words, he affirmed that public service is a concrete act of Christian love, an expression of God’s enduring concern for humanity.
The Archbishop also drew from Pope Francis’ teaching on “political love” and “social charity,” calling Christians to offer themselves for the good of the nation. “As Christians, we are God-centered and therefore also nation-loving. True devotion to God is shown in love for the country, because holiness brings forth heroism. And in genuine holiness, service for justice is always included,” he said.
To translate faith into action, Cardinal Advincula encouraged parishes, shrines, chaplaincies, and religious communities to organize prayer reflections, circles of discernment, and peaceful non-violent initiatives against corruption.
He concluded by invoking the intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows, praying that the wounds inflicted by corruption especially on the poor may be healed and transformed into “gladness and joy through the triumph of truth, justice, and peace over selfishness, dishonesty, and greed.”