CBCP: Confess, repent, return stolen wealth

MANILA, Philippines — The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has a message to those involved in corruption scandals: confess, repent, and restitute or return ill-gotten wealth.

In a video message yesterday, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, CBCP president, also urged Filipinos to join the anti-corruption protest set on Nov. 30.

David, however, stressed: “We must choose the path of non-violence, constitutional order and peaceful democratic participation. We firmly reject extra-constitutional shortcuts or calls to political adventurism.”

Simultaneous protest actions nationwide took place on Sept. 21 after state officials, contractors and engineers were implicated in anomalous infrastructure deals, budget insertions and kickbacks.

“We call on public servants, including the uniformed services, to remain faithful to the Constitution and the rule of law,” David said. “We call on every Filipino of goodwill, regardless of faith or persuasion, to help build a society where public office is service, not entitlement; where governance is accountability, not privilege; where hope is not a slogan, but a shared moral commitment.”

David urged those involved in the flood control scandal to confess, make amends and return stolen funds.

Certify ICI bill as urgent

Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima has urged President Marcos to certify as urgent the bill empowering the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.

Consolidated with Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco’s proposed measure, House Bill 4453 will create the Independent Commission Against Infrastructure Corruption.

Contempt and subpoena powers will be given to the body, as well as the power to issue hold departure orders.

Speaker Faustino Dy III should urge Malacañang to certify as urgent the bill she filed, De Lima said.