World · Philippines Bureau
Pampanga archbishop urges citizens to fight corruption responsibly
As the province grapples with devastating floods, the Archbishop of San Fernando has called on Filipinos to expose wrongdoing and hold officials accountable, while cautioning against vengeful motives.
LSN Philippines ·
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — Religious leaders in Pampanga are using the current flood crisis as a moment to address systemic governance failures in the country.
Archbishop Florentino Lavarias of San Fernando made an impassioned appeal on Tuesday for Filipinos to actively challenge corruption and bring misconduct to light. However, he emphasized that such efforts must be grounded in genuine concern for the common good rather than personal vengeance or malice.
Lavarias delivered his message during commemorations marking the 70th anniversary of the canonical coronation of the Virgen de San Fernando, the province's patroness. The timing of his remarks underscores growing frustration with corruption amid a natural disaster that has exposed vulnerabilities in the country's disaster preparedness and resource management systems.
The archbishop's call reflects broader concerns among civic and religious groups that widespread corruption diverts funds and resources away from critical infrastructure and flood mitigation efforts, leaving vulnerable communities increasingly exposed to natural calamities.
Lavarias's message represents the Church's continued role in advocating for institutional accountability and moral governance in the Philippines, particularly during times of crisis when transparency and competent administration become matters of life and death.