AMID the controversy surrounding flood control projects, Batanes Bishop Danilo Ulep yesterday called on the faithful to continue speaking out against corruption, which he described as a “grave sin before God.”
In a pastoral letter, Ulep said it is imperative for the people not to stay silent amid the massive corrupt practices that have been hounding the government.
“Corruption survives not only because of the greed of the corrupt but also because of the silence of the people. When we accept bribes, ‘fix’ documents for a fee, or tolerate the immoral practice of others because of money or favors, we are complicit and an accessory in this sin. Silence in the face of injustice is consent to the crime,” said Ulep.
“We urge the faithful: reject the culture of ‘palakasan’, ‘lagay’, ‘suhol’, ‘SOP’, or any form of bribery by whatever name or term that is used. Do not be afraid to speak up, to expose wrongdoing, to demand accountability and transparency,” he added.
The prelate said the corrupt practices involving government officials are condemnable.
Ulep said this is because being in public service carries a sacred trust from the people.
“We speak plainly and clearly: government officials, both in the national, as well as in the local level, who tolerate, participate in, or profit from corruption commit a mortal offense against God and the people at large,” he said.
“Corruption is stealing. It is lying. It is betrayal. It is an evil practice that deserves our strongest condemnation and denunciation. It is a grave sin before God and a crime against His people,” added the prelate.
Ulep’s Pastoral Letter comes amid the recent revelation of irregularities involving flood control projects, including incomplete and “ghost” projects as well as the completion of substandard structures.
The uncovering of such flood control projects has spurred a new wave of allegations of corruption allegedly involving government officials and private contractors.
