Pope: Reject every form of corruption

MANILA, Philippines - Corruption diverts resources from the poor, Pope Francis said yesterday as he called on Filipinos “at all levels of society” to reject “every form of corruption.”

And while the pope pointed out the need for everyone to cooperate in fighting corruption, he emphasized the bigger role political leaders have to play in ensuring full social transformation.

“As many voices in your nation have pointed out, it is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good,” the pope said in a speech delivered after his meeting with President Aquino at Malacañang.

Francis has frequently spoken about the plight of the poor and the vulnerable in his messages, earning him the title the People’s Pope.

The remarkably enthusiastic reception on Francis’ first full day in Asia’s largest Catholic nation came despite an unprecedented level of security that prevented the pope from mingling with the crowd as he typically likes to do. Rather, Francis waved from the car window or popemobile as his motorcade drove through boulevards lined with well-wishers held behind police barricades.

Corruption has wracked the Philippines since the 20-year rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who along with his wife Imelda and cronies were suspected of stealing between $5 billion and $10 billion before being ousted from power in February 1986.

The problem has festered amid a culture of impunity among powerful politicians and their allies, weak law enforcement and a notoriously slow justice system.

But President Aquino won the presidency by a wide margin in 2010 on promises to rid the nation of corruption and poverty. Since then, Congress has begun investigating high-level politicians for corruption and three senators have been detained.

In his Malacañang speech, Francis said that more than ever, political leaders must be “outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good.” He said they must hear the cries of the poor and address the “glaring and indeed scandalous social inequalities” in society.

Aside from fighting corruption, all sectors must make concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion “of every man and woman and child in the life of the community,” he said.

The pope noted how people have come together to help rebuild homes and livelihood ravaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

“This example of solidarity in the work of rebuilding teaches us an important lesson. Like a family, every society draws on its deepest resources in order to face new challenges,” Francis said.

“Today the Philippines, together with many other countries in Asia, faces the challenge of building on solid foundations a modern society – a society respectful of authentic human values, protective of our God-given human dignity and rights, and ready to confront new and complex political and ethical questions,” he added.

The pope said having political leaders who shun corruption is greatly helpful in preserving human and natural resources and in marshaling “moral resources.”

He stressed the importance of a generation being able to pass on to the next a “society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace.”

“Essential to the attainment of these national goals is the moral imperative of ensuring social justice and respect for human dignity,” the pontiff said.

“The great biblical tradition enjoins all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the poor. It bids us (to) break the bonds of injustice and oppression, which give rise to glaring, and indeed scandalous, social inequalities,” he pointed out.

He said a meaningful social transformation can only happen after a “conversion of the mind and the heart.”

“The (Catholic) bishops of the Philippines have asked that this year be set aside as the ‘Year of the Poor.’ I hope that this prophetic summons will challenge everyone to fight corruption,” Francis said.

Sgd Francis

After a 21-gun salute at the Palace grounds, Aquino led the pope to the main building to have him sign and write something in the guest book. It turned out the pope only wrote “Francis” and not his exalted position.

“On the President and people of this beloved land of the Philippines I ask almighty God abundant blessings of wisdom, discernment, prosperity and peace. 16-1-2015 Francis,” his message read.

Francis thanked President Aquino for inviting him to the Philippines, stressing his visit was, above all, “pastoral.”

His visit came as the Aquino administration entered its fifth year in office.

Francis, who has also been criticizing corruption and excesses within the Catholic Church, said his visit coincided with Church preparations for the fifth centenary celebration of Christianity in the Philippines.

“The Christian message has had an immense influence on Filipino culture. It is my hope that this important anniversary will point to its continuing fruitfulness and its potential to inspire a society worthy of the goodness, dignity and aspirations of the Filipino people,” Francis said.

The pope, who is set to visit Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte today, also expressed his “closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss and devastation” caused by Yolanda.

He lauded the Filipinos’ show of faith and resilience in the face of natural disasters.

“Those virtues, rooted not least in the hope and solidarity instilled by Christian faith, gave rise to an outpouring of goodness and generosity, especially on the part of so many of the young,” the Pope said.

“In that moment of national crisis, countless people came to the aid of their neighbors in need. At great sacrifice, they gave of their time and resources, creating networks of mutual help and working for the common good,” he added.

Primacy of family

Francis also pointed out the fundamental role the family – especially its young members – plays in the renewal of society.

“A highlight of my visit will be my meetings with families and with young people here in Manila. Families have an indispensable mission in society,” he said.

“It is in the family that children are trained in sound values, high ideals and genuine concern for others. But, like all God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed. It needs our support,” the pope said.

He acknowledged the difficulty being encountered by democracies in preserving and defending such basic human values as respect for the inviolable dignity of every human being.

He cited the importance of “respect for the rights of conscience and religious freedom, and respect for the inalienable right to life, beginning with that of the unborn and extending to that of the elderly and infirm.”

For this reason, Francis said families and local communities must be assisted in their efforts to transmit to the young the values of integrity, truthfulness, fidelity and solidarity which are “the moral glue which holds society together.”

Francis also praised overseas Filipino workers for playing a key role in fostering understanding and cooperation among Asian countries.

“I would also mention the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they live,” Francis said.

“It is precisely in the light of the rich cultural and religious heritage of which your country is proud that I leave you with a challenge and a word of prayerful encouragement,” he said.

“May the deepest spiritual values of the Filipino people continue to find expression in your efforts to provide your fellow citizens with an integral human development,” he said.

Message resonates

Francis’ message will likely resonate in a country where, according to government statistics, nearly a quarter of the Philippines’ 100 million people live on just over $1 a day.

“For him, the poorer you are, the more he will reach out to you,” Christopher Ladios, a 40-year-old traffic enforcer, said.

“Corruption is the No. 1 news in the Philippines these days, so it was a good message. For small workers like us, it would mean we can get what is due us and it will not be stolen,” he said.

The government has declared national holidays during the pope’s visit, which runs through Monday, and the crowds responded by turning out in droves to welcome him. Authorities estimated that between 700,000 and one million people had turned out along his motorcade route from the airport Thursday night.

“It is the wish of every Filipino to see him, and if possible, to interact with him, talk to him,” said Alberto Garcia, 59-year-old electrician, who was among a crowd of about 100 people who gathered in front of a giant screen mounted on a truck outside the Manila Cathedral. “Because that is impossible, just by being here we can take part in his mission to visit and bring grace to this country,” he said.

Francis was clearly energized by the raucous welcome, stopping several times yesterday to kiss children brought up to him once he entered the presidential palace grounds. His motorcade didn’t stop along the route, though, for him to get out to and greet the crowd as he likes to do.

Cell phone reception was jammed, a huge police presence guarded him and streets leading to Francis’ motorcade route were blocked as the pope traveled around town in his open-sided popemobile and a simple five-door Volkswagen. Delon Porcalla, AP