Archbishop Socrates Villegas. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines is calling on government officials implicated in the pork barrel scam not to use their positions to influence the ongoing investigation.
In a pastoral letter titled “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good” issued on Saturday, the CBCP, led by its president, Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, also urged the Catholic faithful to offer prayers for the conversion of the culprits and for the witnesses to find the courage to persevere.
Villegas also called on all those implicated in the controversy to allow impartial investigation to take place.
“If they are in public office, they must not use the power of their office to obstruct the pursuit of truth,” he said.
“Let the Ombudsman do its task to investigate and prosecute those who are at fault. The judiciary is the proper venue to bring out justice. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said.
Villegas urged those at fault to come out and admit their wrongdoings rather than issue denials and counter-accusations, saying this would only muddle the issue and cause confusion.
But he emphasized that admitting one’s fault is not enough.
“What is stolen must be returned. The good name destroyed must be repaired,” he said.
“Let the concern of all be the common good— that people do not lose trust in the institutions of governance and that there may be just restitution of the public money lost,” he added.
Villegas also appealed to the media to be fair in protecting the good name of people.
“Let those who have been implicated be given proper forum and proper coverage to explain their actions,” he said.
The prelate said many people were saddened and shocked by the scandal, especially with the amount of money involved.
“Besides the many problems that our people are facing just to make ends meet, many are bothered by the news of millions and billions of the people’s hard-earned money being squandered by people to whom they have entrusted the care of governance of our country,” he said, adding that Church leaders cannot just keep mum in the midst of the turmoil.
But he urged the people not to lose hope, saying the truth will ultimately come out.
“We are grateful that in God’s Providence the scam is coming to light. Truth ultimately comes out,” he said, adding that this should make public officials careful that they do not abuse the trust place on them.
Stressing that there should be public accountability, he urged the public to be vigilant over public officials.
“Let us not lose hope! As in all situations, we will see the light beyond this crisis. It will make us stronger and more mature. Let us not stop hoping, praying and being concerned and vigilant. Our government is what we make of it,” Villegas added.
He requested the Catholic faithful to pray an extra rosary from May 31, the feast of the Visitation, until August 15, the feast of the Assumption, and offer it for the conversion of the culprits in the pork barrel scam, for the courage of the witnesses and the healing of the country.
Villegas also encouraged the youth and children to receive Holy Communion frequently during these days of prayer.
“Let us overcome evil by the power of good,” he said.
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