DAVAO CITY – The Davao Archdiocese urged Filipinos to repent for their sins and take collective action against rampant corruption nationwide, a “grave moral scandal” that contradicts the nation’s faith in God.

After leading a penitential walk on Saturday, Oct. 25, Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles presided over the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on San Pedro St. in Davao City where thousands gathered in prayer.

Valles called on the faithful to bow their heads in humility and seek forgiveness for the country’s moral decay, particularly the corruption scandals that have shaken public trust.

“We must repent, renew ourselves, and bow our heads in this penitential walk. We are facing the ugliness and grave scandal of corruption and plunder,” Valles said, emphasizing that this should never happen.

The Archbishop criticized corrupt politicians and officials, calling them “shameless” for stealing funds meant to serve the Filipino people. “We are a God-fearing nation, yet look at the face of our society today,” he said.

Valles lamented the magnitude of corruption in the country, saying it has deprived Filipinos of resources meant for their welfare. He stressed that Filipinos are not naturally poor but rather victims of corruption.

“That has always been something shameful, but as we can see now, there’s no more shame. Thick-faced. These people even flaunt it instead of hiding it – no shame at all,” he added.

Valles urged Catholics to remain vigilant and live out their faith by opposing corruption in all forms while appealing to those involved to realize the gravity of their sins and turn away from wrongdoing.

He called on corrupt officials to realize their wrongdoing and stop stealing, stressing that such acts go against God’s will. He said the penitential walk, marked by prayers and the rosary, was a gesture of faith and a plea for the nation’s healing.

“May they realize their wrongdoing, stop stealing, as this goes against the will of God,” Valles said.

Valles said that the faithful come humbly to God through national prayer and public repentance. He hoped the Blessed Mother would deepen everyone’s faith and intercede for the nation’s healing.

The archbishop described the Catholic faithful’s event as the “highest form of prayer.” He said the Mass is the perfect prayer given by Jesus Himself,” he reminded the faithful.

“He said, ‘Do this in memory of me’ – the memory of God’s love. When we humble ourselves and pray, may God find faith in us – a faith that moves us to fight corruption,” Valles said.

The Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass concluded peacefully and without any untoward incidents, the Davao City Police Office reported.

DCPO spokesperson Police Capt. Hazel Caballero said authorities implemented intensified police visibility and area security on the route and venue of the religious activity.

Caballero said around 20,000 Catholics peacefully gathered during the Mass, with over 300 security personnel ensuring the event remained peaceful and orderly.

The Penitential Walk gathered Catholics and clergy members who walked through the city streets, praying for repentance, renewal, and moral transformation in the face of widespread corruption.