MANILA – The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on all dioceses and archdioceses to form actions against corruption in government.

In a statement, the CBCP – Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace asked them to establish their respective social action centers to fight anomalous practices.

“We urgently call on our social action network and partners in all our 87 archdioceses and dioceses across the country to commit in beginning a movement that supports the President’s call to put an end to corruption in government,” the statement said.

“Since his last State of the Nation Address, the President has been pointing out this corruption of uncontrolled greed and impunity exposed through the sub-standard, uncompleted, and ghost flood control projects and other infrastructure developments.”

The movements aim to support a full and transparent investigation on anomalous undertakings such as sub-standard, uncompleted, and ghost flood control projects to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The movements also aim to bring the truth and accurate information on the investigation and findings to communities by discussing the extent of the documented corrupt projects and practices, and explaining how these affect the basic services government.

The commission is ready to initially act as the secretariat until the movements are fully organized.

During the State of the Nation Address, the President condemned the alleged collusion between public officials and private contractors in stealing government funds through flood control projects.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is the permanent organizational assembly of the Catholic bishops in the Philippines, established in 1945. It serves as the official voice of the Church in the country, coordinating its pastoral efforts and public stance on national issues. Throughout its history, the CBCP has played a significant role in Philippine society, most notably during the non-violent People Power Revolution of 1986.

CBCP – Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace

The CBCP – Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace is a permanent commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). It was established to coordinate the Church’s efforts in promoting social justice, human rights, and peacebuilding throughout the country. The commission has a long history of advocacy, often speaking out on social issues and engaging in dialogue during periods of political turmoil and conflict.

State of the Nation Address

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) is an annual constitutional tradition in the Philippines where the President reports on the country’s status and outlines the government’s agenda. Its history is rooted in the 1935 Constitution, which mandates the President to address Congress at the opening of its regular session.