BY THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Posted by Bulatlat
DEMOCRATIC SPACE
Vol. VII, No. 37, October 21-27, 2007

We express utter incredulity over Malacañang’s order for the investigation of an incident where members of the Congress and some other provincial officials were given bundles of cash during a breakfast meeting at the Palace. The revelation made by two-cleric politicians prevented what could have been another unnoticed act of bureaucratic corruption. How could Malacañang claim ignorance of an incident that transpired in the most tightly secured place in the land?

The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), consistent with its stand against corruption denounces this latest assault on propriety expected of those in public service. It is not normal for a government claiming adherence to good governance to hand out huge sums of money to a select group of legislators and provincial executives. There is nothing official in justifying such a covert action as a “gift”, much less call it funds for the latter’s constituencies.

The giving of huge amounts of cask “gifts” took place at a time when the presidency is beleaguered by a series of scandalous events and an impending impeachment complaint. What happened in Malacañang smacks of bribery. It is outrageous! Bribery and other corrupt practices continue to be the glaring manifestations of a moral decadence under the present administration. In trying to ensure her political survival, the President has turned her back on decency.

The NCCP calls on the lawmakers to rise above partisan politics, have a deep sense of accountability and love of country, and look deeper into the issues now haunting the presidency. We support the calls of other sectors calling for an independent investigation of the cash-giving event. We pray there will be no political rhetoric or cover-ups. We also urge on our people to continue to pray for genuine change in this land. Such prayer is made real when it is transformed into action seen in terms of studying the circumstances of corruption in high places and an untiring resolve to express righteous indignation until the same is banished away.(Bulatlat.com)

Ms. Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in the Philippines
879 EDSA, West Triangle, 1104 Quezon City
phone: 929 3745
fax: 926 7076
email: srjrduremdes@nccphilippines.org, srjrduremdes@yahoo.com

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