ASEANEWS HEADLINE-LIFE+STYLE HOLY WEEK CELEB | MANILA: Abstain from stealing public funds, pols told
CBCP Executive Secretary of Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, Fr. Jerome Secillano in an interview with Philstar.com on May 7, 2025./ Philstar.com / Dominique Nicole Flores
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MANILA, Philippines — As the Catholic Church begins the observance of Lent, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) yesterday advised corrupt politicians to fast and abstain from stealing public funds.
CBCP-Public Affairs Committee executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano said the Lenten season is an opportunity for politicians to turn from their evil ways and start practicing almsgiving, fasting and abstinence.
Secillano explained that the Lenten season is rich in symbolism “that reminds people that they would not live forever.”
He said that the teaching in the Bible – “from dust you are and to dust you shall return” – is a call for repentance.
“In our life, accountability is important. So, if nowadays there are discussions of accountability in corruption issues, our biggest accountability would be when we face God,” said Secillano, who is also the rector of the EDSA Shrine.
“It would be better if the politician would fast from stealing and engaging in corrupt activities not only during 40 days of Lent but even beyond that,” he said. “It is going to be a way of life. There should be an interior conversion to do what is right.”
Today, Ash Wednesday, when ash from burned old blessed palm leaves is placed on the forehead, marks the start of the Lenten Season.
The priest said there are disciplines, such as the practice of almsgiving, fasting and abstinence, that are not intended to show off, but to see how a person lives and witnesses his or her relationship with the Lord.
Secillano admitted that in present times, not all Catholics make these personal sacrifices.
“But then again, it would still be good if they listen to the Church’s explanations. That they are doing it not just for the sake of doing it, but it is connected to having an interior conversation. By practicing these (disciplines), you would want to have an intimate relationship with the Lord because you could identify with what the Lord went through,” he added.
CBCP marks 40th EDSA anniversary
Meanwhile, the CBCP wants to make the 40th anniversary of People Power an opportunity to educate people about good citizenship and governance, in preparation for the 2028 presidential elections.
CBCP president and Lipa, Batangas Archbishop Gilbert Garcera yesterday issued a three-page pastoral letter, titled “Remember the Wonders the Lord has Done,” in connection with the upcoming EDSA celebration.
“Let us continue the education for good citizenship and governance in view of the 2028 elections. Let us start voters’ education early. And let us identify those who genuinely serve and those who are already engaged in electioneering,” Garcera said.
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It was in 1986 when a peaceful revolt by the people toppled the administration of former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of the current Chief Executive.
As one people, Garcera urged Filipinos to fight impunity together, because by not holding those responsible accountable, “what is wrong becomes normal.”
He also pushed for the passage of an Anti-Dynasty Bill. “So that we may hold power accountable, let us rally together for the passage of an authentic Anti-Dynasty Bill. Power must remain in the people, not in a few,” he added.
The CBCP also called for the creation of local, diocesan or parish-based volunteer groups that would be vigilant in monitoring public funds, programs and projects.
Garcera regarded People Power as an extraordinary event.
“It is a testament of God’s favor on His people, who sought Him in their darkest hour,” he said. “Faith and love for country brought us together. Our prayers were answered. The ‘Miracle of EDSA: People Power’ happened.”
In line with this occasion, the Catholic bishops also asked the faithful to undertake “three sacred duties” – to remember, to repent and to respond.
Forty years after the bloodless revolt, Garcera said the people should not forget the nameless heroes who are the true heart of People Power.
“They showed the true power of faith that can reshape society without bloodshed. Their witness pierced the armor of oppression. Prayers proved stronger than tanks. Faith triumphed over fear,” he said.
Garcera said it is the duty of today’s Filipinos to keep the fire of EDSA burning, as it is also a time to repent because Filipinos have also squandered the gifts of EDSA.
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“We became inured to it. We forgot that freedom is both a task and a duty. We took for granted the opportunity to start anew… Our country remained in ruins. Complacent and complicit to the scandalous corruption and the ugly face of impunity, we have betrayed not only ourselves, but also our God,” he said.
Up to now there is persistent poverty, entrenched graft, eroded trust, underdevelopment. “All have sinned and fall short,” scripture warns, reminding us that justification comes through humble faith, not self-righteousness.
“Repentance demands that we confront our sins – our complicity in systems and structures that mock EDSA’s promise. Let us confess with contrite hearts, turning from the golden calves of materialism to the God who liberated us once before,” Garcera said.
To respond to the country’s problems, Filipinos should change with courage and love. But Garcera reminded that in order to achieve change, there should be honesty, love and a personal and communal kind of conversion. But in order to achieve change, the people also need God’s grace.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Garcera also proposed a Triduum of Masses from Feb. 22 to 24 with the following prayer intentions:
The masses for Feb. 22 would be for personal conversion and repentance for the times when people have encouraged or became complicit to dishonest and corrupt practices because of personal gain.
Feb. 23 masses are for the conversion of our institutions, communities, organizations, parishes, dioceses, congregations, when people worked for the interest of their groups, organizations or communities.
Masses on Feb. 24 should be offered for the conversion of the nation.
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