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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Catholic religious superiors mark 39th People Power anniversary; highlight concerns over corruption, patronage politics in upcoming elections

Catholic religious superiors mark 39th People Power anniversary; highlight concerns over corruption, patronage politics in upcoming elections

Published Feb 25, 2025 02:56 am
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(Santi San Juan/Manila Bulletin)

As the nation marked the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Feb. 25, the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) called attention to the ongoing issues of corruption and patronage politics and urged Filipinos to reflect on these challenges as the May elections draw near.

“In this year of hope and jubilee, we categorically declare that the power to change lies within us and with us,” the CMSP said in a statement. 

“If we were able to topple a dictatorship, we could destroy patronage and corruption. We can build a political and social infrastructure reflective of God’s commandments,” it added.

The CMSP pointed out the ongoing presence of political dynasties and corruption, which they compared to the cronyism of the past dictatorship. 

“Cronyism was rampant during the dictatorship and today we face political dynasties,” the statement read. 

“Corruption was rampant, and today we are faced with confidential funds and different forms of ‘ayuda,’” it added.

The CMSP also expressed concern over the potential misuse of national resources, particularly unprogrammed funds, in the lead-up to the elections. 

“The budget and the national treasury were pilfered and raided by the dictatorship; today we face a national budget with huge unprogrammed funds. There are many who believe these will be used for the upcoming elections,” the CMSP added.

Reflecting on the struggles of the past, the religious leaders reminded the public of the importance of learning from history and preventing the return of tyranny and injustice. 

“The more things change, the more they remain the same,” they said.

“In this year of hope, we continue to dream of a nation and people living in peace based on justice,” they added.

The CMSP reiterated its dedication to the Church of the Poor and renewed its commitment to social emancipation and liberation. 

“We vow never to forget and will encourage all our congregations, institutions, and networks to develop a concerted plan to inculcate Martial Law history in our educational institutions and formations,” it said.

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