CBCP: Confess, Repent, Return Stolen Wealth

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 on Thursday, Nov. 6, Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David 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 No. 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.

Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto Sr., meanwhile, said Dy has given him the go-signal to fast-track House Bill 4453.

“We also want (the body) to have the authority to file cases directly before the anti-graft court, Sandiganbayan,” he said.

“I don’t think congressmen will oppose this because this will be for the good of our country so that all these corruption issues will be gone,” he added.

Chaired by Pleyto, the House committee on government reorganization’s next public hearing is set on Nov. 11.

The panel is expected to pass HB 4453 on third and final reading on Nov. 17, a week after Congress resumes session following a month-long break for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

After deliberations, Pleyto said the measure will be transmitted to the House appropriations panel for the approval of its budget provisions. – With Bella Cariaso, Delon Porcalla