SuPaKK, a movement against corruption, set Nov. 30

Local

A MULTISECTORAL anti-corruption mobilization in Cebu City is expected to draw thousands on Nov.30.

Church and civic leaders are urging the public to unite against corruption through a coordinated prayer activity, march, and program at Fuente Osmeña Circle.

The event, called the Sugboanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korapsyon (SuPaKK), is projected to bring in at least 5,000 participants.

Msgr. Rey Peñagunda, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said in a press conference at the Seminario Mayor de San Carlos on Tuesday, Nov. 25, that the mobilization will begin with a Holy Mass at 2:30 p.m. at the Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center.

After the Mass, participants will march at 3:45 p.m. toward Fuente Osmeña Circle.

Peñagunda said the 4:45 p.m. program at Fuente Osmeña Circle will include prayers, cultural presentations, and the reading of a unified declaration by coalition member groups.

He added that group leaders from multiple sectors, including victims of typhoons and earthquakes, will deliver their assigned lines.

Additionally, Cebu Archbishop Albert Uy will deliver a recorded message to close the program and unify the coalition’s call.

He reminded participants not to display political colors during the event as it will be non partisan.

Aside from Peñagunda, those who attended the press conference included Fr. Jose Bagadiong, SVD,

Chairperson of the Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications; Pastor Steve Berdin of the Cebu City Interfaith Movement; Sister Judith Lorica, OSF, and Vice-Chairperson of the Archdiocesan Commission on Women’s Concerns.

Also, Imam Muhammad Najeeb Rasul of the Council Visayas Region; Atty. Jay Pujanes of the Free Legal Assistance Group; Cristina Oganiza; Atty. Jose Glenn Capanas, Dean of the School of Law and Governance at the University of San Carlos; Jovanni Polestico,

Representative of Kilusan Cebu; Dennis Derige, Visayas Coordinator of Partido Manggagawa; and Kyle Marco Barte, SSC President of the University of San Jose–Recoletos, along with other conveners and sectoral representatives.

Bagadiong read the Cebu Anti-Corruption Coalition’s unified declaration, saying that corruption “betrays public trust and violates the social contract requiring accountability and civic vigilance.”

He said corruption reflects entrenched elite capture, planning failures, and fragmented governance, but also provides opportunities to restore institutions through enforcement, open data, and principled leadership.

He stressed that corruption and climate vulnerability represent “interrelated crises.”

He called on citizens to uphold truth, accountability, protection of public funds, integral ecology, people’s participation, swift justice, ethics education, and policy reforms, including the anti-political dynasty and freedom of information laws.

“The same waters that flooded and destroyed can become waters of renewal, cleansing our nation of corruption and despair,” Bagadiong added.

Pujanes said police will intervene against anyone who disrupts the event. Security teams and marshalls will maintain order and guide participants.

Peñagunda said mass attendees and non-mass attendees will assemble at either the Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center or Plaza Independencia before joining the march.

He emphasized that the coalition will allow only designated speakers, not an open-mic format.

Addressing critics who question the Church’s political role, Peñagunda said, “The Church has always engaged in social issues. It has a moral duty and evangelical obligation to proclaim justice.”

“Corruption affects the poor and vulnerable, and the Church stands with them. We participate in governance issues but remain non-partisan,” he added.(MyTVCebu)