Manila, Philippines, Feb 12, 2008 / 03:01 am
Recent exposure of government corruption in the Philippines has prompted the country’s Catholic Bishops’ Conference (CBCP) to call for non-violent “communal action” to spur political reform.
A former environmental official, Rodolfo Lozada, has in recent testimony before the country’s senate exposed alleged corruption at the highest levels of government. Jose de Venecia, Jr., an ousted House speaker, has also added his testimony to the public inquiry into corruption.
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the CBCP said Lozado’s and de Venecia’s actions could save people from being “hostage to scandalous and shady government deals.” While noting they somehow had involvement in the corruption they were exposing, he said their exposure of the matter may yet be called “courageous.”
Though their testimony could affect their political careers, Archbishop Lagdameo affirmed the virtue of their actions. “Truth hurts. But the truth must be served. The truth will set our country free,” he stressed.