Uy calls for citizen-led anti-corruption movement

Local

CEBU Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy called for a united, citizen-led anti-corruption movement grounded in partnership with the government, not confrontation.

He stressed that reform advocates are allies in strengthening public institutions rather than enemies seeking to destabilize them.

In a pastoral proposal addressed to civic, faith-based, and civil society groups, Uy framed the fight against corruption as a “moral, spiritual, and systemic struggle”—one that requires vigilance, conscience formation, and constructive engagement with authorities to protect public trust and uplift the poor.

“We are partners of reform, not enemies of the government,” Uy said. “Our aim is not to shame, attack, or destabilize, but to assist, to strengthen, and to help build systems that protect public trust.”

Uy said corruption thrives where systems are weak, citizens are silent, and conscience is “asleep,” underscoring the need for citizens to help awaken conscience, strengthen safeguards, and promote responsible citizenship, particularly at the local level where public projects are implemented.

He proposed investing in citizen-based transparency and monitoring, including training volunteers to observe and document public projects responsibly, helping communities understand public records and processes, and encouraging lawful, respectful reporting of irregularities.

“This is not vigilantism. This is responsible citizenship,” Uy said. “When people are informed and present, corruption finds fewer places to hide.”

While laws can punish corruption, Uy said only values can prevent it. He urged stronger values formation and ethical education among the youth, public servants, community and faith leaders, and business and civil society organizations.

“Public office is a sacred trust,” Uy said, warning that corruption “steals from the poor and the unborn,” and that tolerating small dishonesty can grow into a “national tragedy.”

The advocacy, he added, must form not only watchdogs, but “men and women of conscience.”

Recognizing corruption as both a moral failure and a systemic problem, Uy called for reforms that reduce excessive human discretion through digitalization, expand transparency and access to information, protect whistleblowers, and normalize accountability.

“Our advocacy should help improve the rules of the game,” he said, “so that even those who are tempted find it harder to do wrong.”

Uy also highlighted the fear that keeps many Filipinos silent despite knowing the truth. He proposed exploring legal and moral support for whistleblowers, partnerships with responsible media and legal institutions, and ensuring that truth is told with accuracy, fairness, and charity—never with hatred or vengeance.

“Silence protects corruption. Truth, spoken with love, protects the nation,” he said.

While urging firmness against corruption, Uy called for generosity in recognizing integrity where it exists, constructive engagement with government institutions, sharing credible data and community insights, and publicly affirming good governance and honest leadership.

“When integrity is recognized, it is strengthened. When goodness is affirmed, it multiplies,” he said.

Uy reminded reform advocates that the anti-corruption effort is a long journey requiring education, vigilance, patience, courage, and prayer. “We will not win this battle through anger alone,” he said, “but through perseverance, unity, and hope.”

“As a shepherd,” Uy said in closing, “the fight against corruption is ultimately a moral and spiritual struggle—one that concerns the soul of our nation.”

Uy’s proposal builds on his strong public stance against corruption since assuming office as Archbishop of Cebu last September. During the Sugboanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korapyson (SuPaKK) march on November 30, he directly challenged corrupt officials.

“Sa mga kurakot, ako mangutana: When was the last time you cried for your people? Duna pa ba mo’y kasing-kasing? Duna pa ba mo’y konsensya? Duna pa ba mo’y Ginoo?” Uy said.

He urged those involved to “repent, face the truth, take responsibility and return what is not theirs,” warning that corruption has rewritten the country’s destiny and stolen trillions of pesos that could have improved healthcare, education, agriculture, and livelihoods.

Uy led the SuPaKK rally, organized by a coalition of civic, cause-oriented, and interfaith groups, which drew about 10,000 participants and followed revelations of anomalies in flood control projects. Protesters demanded accountability and justice, particularly after Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi) claimed more than 150 lives in Cebu.(TGP)