By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos has urged the Senate to press ahead with its investigation into the alleged anomalies surrounding government flood control projects, warning that abandoning the inquiry would deny the Filipino people the truth and weaken efforts to hold public officials accountable.
In a pastoral message titled “A Call to Conscience, Truth, and Justice,” released through the Diocese of Antipolo’s official Facebook page, Santos appealed to senators to continue the Blue Ribbon Committee hearings free from political influence and partisan interests.
“The Blue Ribbon investigations must continue—not selectively, not as a political weapon, and not as a means of escape—but as a genuine pursuit of truth and accountability,” the bishop declared.
Santos said the onset of the rainy season serves as another painful reminder of the consequences of corruption, particularly when public funds intended for flood mitigation allegedly fail to produce projects capable of protecting communities.
“As floodwaters rise once again, countless families bear the burden of greed and dishonesty committed by those entrusted with public service,” he said. “The people continue to suffer while those responsible remain beyond the reach of justice.”
The bishop lamented what he described as the absence of genuine accountability, saying the public continues to hear promises and political rhetoric instead of concrete action against those implicated.
“Where is repentance? Where is responsibility? We hear speeches, grandstanding, and excuses, yet justice remains delayed,” he said.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has been conducting hearings into alleged irregularities involving multibillion-peso flood control projects, where engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), contractors, and government officials have testified. Several witnesses have linked former officials and politicians to the alleged anomalies, although those accused have denied any wrongdoing and challenged the allegations against them.
Despite months of hearings, the investigation remains unfinished after Senate leadership changes and internal political disputes slowed committee proceedings.
Santos warned that allowing the investigation to fade would only deepen public distrust in government institutions.
“We cannot allow corruption, the theft of public funds, and the loss of lives caused by failed flood control projects to simply disappear from our national memory,” he said. “The problem extends far beyond one office or one agency—it strikes at the heart of public service itself.”
Calling for justice, the bishop stressed that anyone found guilty should be held fully accountable regardless of political affiliation or social standing.
“What has been stolen must be returned. Justice must prevail equally for everyone—without fear, without favor, and without exception,” he said.
Santos also encouraged Catholics and members of the public to participate peacefully in the White Ribbon March at the EDSA People Power Monument, describing the gathering as an expression of moral responsibility and civic engagement.
“This is our Christian duty—to stand for truth, defend justice, pray for the conversion of hearts, and remain in solidarity with those who continue to suffer because of corruption,” he said.
To reinforce that message, all churches under the Diocese of Antipolo dedicated their Sunday Masses to prayers for justice, honest governance, and the conversion of public officials. Church bells across the diocese will also ring daily at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. as a continuing call for accountability.
“May these bells remind our leaders that the cries of the people cannot be silenced, and that God sees every act of justice and every act of wrongdoing,” Santos said.
ia/xf
