Kidapawan Bishop: Self-centeredness root of corruption

MANILA, Philippines — The root of corruption and societal ills is self-centeredness, the bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kidapawan said. 

During his homily on Sunday, June 28, before the White Ribbon Movement rally, the movement’s co-convenor, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, urged the faithful to look deeper, asserting that the true root of sin and global chaos is self-centeredness, a state where an individual focuses solely on their own personal benefit.

“Kapag sarili ang sentro, hahatong tayo sa kasakiman, pagkaka-kanya-kanya at ang temptasyon ng korapsyon,” Bagaforo said. 

(When the self is the center, we will head toward greed, look out only for ourselves and face the temptation of corruption.)

“Kapag si Kristo ang sentro, matututo tayong magmahal, maglingkod, magsakripisyo at magmalasakit,” he added. 

(With Christ at the center, we learn to love, serve, sacrifice and care.)

Bagforo warned that when the self becomes the center of everything, empathy for others gradually disappears. 

This mindset, he explained, makes abuse of power and corruption incredibly easy to commit. 

He also lamented how this reality manifests among leaders who are elected and trusted to serve citizens. 

“Sapagkat ang taong tunay na nagmamaghal, ay hindi magnanakaw sa kapwa,” Bagaforo said. 

(Because a person who truly loves will not steal from their fellow human being.)

“Ang tanong sa ebanghelyo ngayon ay hindi lamang mahal mo ba ang Diyos kundi ang tanong sino ba talaga ang inuuna mo ang sarili mo o ang Diyos at ang kapwa? Dahil doon nakasalalay ang kalidad ng ating pagiging tagapagsunod ni Hesus,” he added. 

(The question in today’s gospel is not just whether you love God, but rather, who do you actually put first—yourself, or God and your neighbor? Because that is what determines the quality of our discipleship as followers of Jesus.)

The Mass was concelebrated by Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa and other priests from the EDSA Shrine. 

The Mass was one of the events of the White Ribbon Movement protest against corruption and political dynasties.