Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David didn’t mince words as he called out rampant corruption tied to the country’s flood control projects, demanding that those involved admit their crimes, repent, and return stolen public funds.

In a video message posted on social media, Cardinal David — who also serves as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) — said forgiveness means nothing without accountability.

“Kapag may pag-amin, pagsisisi, at pagsasauli, mas madaling lumago ang tunay na pagpapatawad at pagkakasundo,” David declared.

The Caloocan Bishop condemned the misuse of taxpayer money as a “moral sin,” echoing the CBCP’s ongoing call to end corruption through peaceful and lawful means.

Lawmakers, local officials, and private contractors have been implicated in allegations of multimillion-peso kickbacks and ghost projects. Congressional hearings have already led to several cases being filed, but Cardinal David says that’s not enough.

“Nananawagan po tayo ng pananagutan, pagtatanggol sa katotohanan, at pagpapalakas ng ating demokrasya,” he added, urging those “burdened by guilt and family shame” to come clean.

Corruption Breaks Public Trust — and Lives

The outspoken prelate reminded the public that corruption doesn’t just break laws — it breaks lives.

“Ninanakaw nito ang para sa mahihirap, winawasak ang tiwala, at pinahihina ang haligi ng ating bayan,” David warned.

In a pointed rebuke of the country’s political elite, David demanded that the culture of greed and patronage be dismantled once and for all.

“Ibalik ang ninakaw at wakasan ang sistemang pampulitika na ginagamit ang pera ng bayan para sa pansariling kapakanan at para gawing dependent at mahihina ang ating mga komunidad laging umaasa sa ayuda,” he said.

The Cardinal closed his message with a blunt reminder: forgiveness requires action — not excuses. “Pag mayroong pag-amin, pagsisisi at pagsasauli ay mas madaling lumago ang tunay na pagpapatawad,” he stressed.

And finally, a call to rebuild from the rot: “Tumutulong tayo, magtulong-tulong tayo, magtayo ng lipunan na ang kapangyarihan ay paglilingkod, hindi pribilehiyo.”

📷 CBCP News