Davao Archdiocese Answers CBCP Call To ‘Make Corruption Shameful Again’

Davao City, Philippines — Responding to the recent pastoral letter of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on corruption, the Archdiocese of Davao has announced the holding of a “Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass” on October 25, a prayerful movement calling for moral renewal and national healing.

In the CBCP statement released last month, the bishops urged Filipinos — especially the youth — to “make corruption shameful again” by taking a stronger stand against dishonesty and injustice, both online and in everyday life. The bishops emphasized that corruption in government projects, particularly in flood-control programs, continues to deepen poverty and deprive communities of essential services.

The Archdiocese of Davao, in solidarity with the Philippine Church, has taken this message to heart. It calls the faithful to public prayer and repentance, declaring that moral conversion is not only needed among leaders but in every Filipino heart.

“This is a continuing call for all Filipinos — a cry of conscience that must never be silenced or forgotten,” the Archdiocesan statement reads. “For when corruption becomes normal, the soul of a nation begins to die.”

Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., encouraged all sectors of the Church to join the upcoming Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which will bring together clergy, religious, and the lay faithful. In particular, the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) across the Archdiocese and take an active role in organizing local participation, embodying the Church’s mission to live the Gospel in the grassroots.

The Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be both a public act of contrition and a call for renewal — a visible expression of the Church’s solidarity with the poor, the disillusioned, and those longing for integrity in public life.

“We march not in anger but in humility,” one parish priest explained. “We march as a people who have fallen, yet still believe in God’s power to heal our land.”

The Archdiocese affirmed that this unified action is not about political protest but a spiritual awakening, reminding the faithful that corruption in any form — from petty bribery to systemic greed — is an offense against God and the common good.

As the nation faces economic strain, disinformation, and growing inequality, the Archdiocese of Davao prays that the “Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass” will mark the beginning of a renewed sense of conscience among the Filipino people — where truth prevails over lies, honesty over greed, and mercy over power.

Lay Faithful and BECs to Lead Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on October 25

During the coordination meeting between the Archdiocesan Committee formed for this event and the Public Safety and Security Office led by PLTCOL Angel Sumagaysay and company, thousands are expected to participate in the Penitential Walk called Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, from the 43 parishes, members of the Archdiocesan Council of the Lay Apostolate and Integrated Movements (ACLAIM), and catholic school members of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools.

1st Row [Left to Right]: Vicky Anghag, Annie Libres, Sem. JC Canonigo, Msgr. Paul Cuison, Public Safety and Security Office PLTCOL Angel Sumagaysay, Fr. Emmanuel Gonzaga, Mr. Pajota, Most Rev. George B. Rimando, D.D., Capt. Gallardo, Leenard Baquial; 2nd Row [L-R]: Sem. Resty Jay Cabahug and Sem. Aljon Mayol (Annie Libres)

Under the plan, there are 3 assembly areas where the faithful will gather to pray the CBCP Guide – A National Cry for Mercy and Renewal before the Walk towards San Pedro Cathedral for the celebration of a Holy Mass.

Due to the expected number of participants, PPSO in-charge Sumagaysay assured support by fielding security personnel with standby Emergency Medical Services (EMS) from Central 911.

In behalf of the Archdiocese of Davao, Auxiliary Bishop George Rimando who facilitated the coordination meeting, explained that this is purely a prayerful event wherein all participants are encouraged to wear white in consonance to the call of the CBCP as endorsed by Davao Archbishop Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D.

Also present during the coordination meeting were San Pedro Cathedral rector, Msgr. Paul Cuison with Leenard Baquial and pre-deacons Perry Patayon, Resty Cabahug, Aljon Mayol, JC Canonigo, Pastoral Office secretariat Victoria Estoque Anghag and Lilibeth Ramirez.

An official circular letter is expected to be released soon with further instructions by Archbishop Valles. (Rev. Fr. Jesus Samaniego | with report by Annie Libres)