Cebu archbishop endorses rally against pork barrel

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma: Be involved. Photo from https://www.cbcponline.net/

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has declared support for the Sept. 29 rally demanding the abolition of the pork barrel of legislators in what could boost turnout following the low number in last week’s protest action.

“In view of the pork barrel controversy, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) exhorts the Catholic faithful to fulfill the Christian duty to transform society and restore all things in Christ,” said Palma, the outgoing president of the CBCP, in a letter dated

Sept. 13.

“The call is for everyone to be concerned, to be discerning, to be involved,” he said as he urged the archdiocesan bishops, clergy, religious men and women, seminarians and lay faithful to take part in the Sept. 29 rally.

Statement of unity

Palma asked schools, parishes, lay groups and movements, seminaries and religious communities in Cebu to send delegates.

The rally will begin with a Mass at Fuente Osmeña Rotunda at 1:30 p.m. Participants will later march to Plaza Independencia for the program.

“Priests are encouraged to concelebrate the Sept. 29, 1:30 p.m. Mass at Fuente Osmeña. Delegates may bring their banners and candles for the program at Plaza Independencia,” Palma said.

In supporting the initiatives of civil society, the 63-year-old prelate requested the faithful to sign the “Unity Statement against Corruption.” Priests in the Cebu archdiocese will explain the contents of the declaration during their homilies.

The document expresses opposition to the pork barrel system, which is at the heart of the present corrupt political system.

“In the pork barrel system, lump-sum amounts are placed at the discretion of only one person; which allows him/her to use public funds for patronage politics, political dynasties and personal gain. We are united in condemning this corruption,” the statement read.

Resignation, punishment

Aside from the abolition of the pork barrel, it called for the immediate resignation of public servants who were formally charged by the Department of Justice, the punishment of convicted pork barrel schemers, and the return of their loot to the coffers of the people.

Palma encouraged educational and Church organizations, as well as communities, to sign the declaration.

The march from Fuente Osmeña circle to Plaza Independencia is being organized by the Cebu Coalition against Pork Barrel System.

On Sept. 21, a “People’s March” from Gaisano Metro Colon in the downtown area to the senior citizens’ park at the back of city hall will be held.