Bishop urges repentance, vigilance amid political, economic crisis

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- Amid the country’s deepening political and economic crisis, Bishop Joel “Bong” Z. Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi has called on Filipinos, particularly Albayanos, to repent for their participation in corruption and dishonesty, and to remain vigilant in demanding integrity, transparency, and accountability from those in public service.

In a pastoral letter issued in light of the current situation, the prelate warned that graft and corruption continue to grow in scale, systematic disinformation is spreading widely, abuses of power are tolerated, and efforts to hold public officials accountable are being diminished and resisted.

“As significant events unfold in our nation—including the proceedings of the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, the arrest and trial of individuals accused of crimes against humanity and plunder, and the establishment of a Church-led Truth Commission on Extrajudicial Killings—let us seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning truth from falsehood, good from evil, and the right course of action from what merely serves partisan interests,” he said.

Baylon cited the worsening state of national politics, which he said aggravates the effects of the global economic and peace crisis.

He pointed to the preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which invokes God’s guidance in nation-building: “We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order to build a just and humane society…”

“Today, however, we cannot fail to see how God’s will continues to be disregarded in public life. Graft and corruption grow in scale, systematic disinformation spreads widely, abuses of power are tolerated, and efforts to hold public officials accountable are diminished and resisted,” he said.

The bishop noted that the gap between politics and genuine public service continues to widen, reforms are not sustained, economic progress slows, and many—especially the poor—are conditioned to rely on patronage and ayuda instead of being empowered to participate in their own development.

He also lamented similar conditions at the local level, where unchecked power breeds corruption—resulting in vote-buying, infrastructure projects that favor private interests, delays in public works, lost livelihood opportunities, and greater hardship among the people.

“In our local diocese and province, we are likewise painfully aware of how unchecked power breeds corruption,” Baylon said.

In response to these realities, the bishop urged the faithful to turn to prayer and repentance.

“Let us pray. Let us repent of our own participation in corruption, dishonesty, and indifference to the plight of our neighbor. Let us pray for personal and communal conversion—that we may live what the Lord requires of us: to do justice, to love goodness, and to walk humbly with Him,” he said.

He also encouraged parishes and communities to recite before Mass the Nation’s Prayer for Enlightenment, Conversion, and Renewal, and to reflect deeply on its message.

Baylon further called on the faithful to form their consciences amid unfolding national events, including impeachment proceedings and high-profile criminal cases.

“Let us form our consciences… and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning truth from falsehood,” he said.

He urged parishes, schools, communities, and families to conduct formation and discernment sessions on responsible citizenship rooted in Christian values, promoting love of God and country, a sense of responsibility for the common good, and active faith in social and political life.

The bishop also encouraged acts of solidarity, especially for those affected by economic hardship and the continuing impact of Mayon Volcano. Suggested initiatives include outreach in evacuation centers, community pantries, livelihood support, and assistance in accessing government services.

At the same time, he emphasized that charity must go hand in hand with efforts to address the root causes of poverty and injustice. He called for support for educational and advocacy initiatives promoting political reforms, accountability, and good governance.

In particular, Baylon urged parishes, Catholic schools, and lay organizations to support the People’s Initiative led by the Dapat Isa Lang movement, which seeks to pass a genuine anti-dynasty law as a means to curb corruption and abuse of power.

“Finally, let us all be vigilant and actively engaged in demanding integrity, transparency, and accountability from all who serve in public office—including ourselves in the service of the Church,” he said.

The bishop also directed diocesan commissions, the Social Action Center, Radyo Veritas Legazpi, the Catholic Educational Association of Legazpi, and other church organizations to work together in guiding the faithful through prayer, discernment, formation, and meaningful action during this period of crisis.

“May these efforts become concrete expressions of our journey as a synodal Church—a Church that listens, discerns, and walks together—and may they bear lasting fruit as we celebrate our Diocesan Diamond Jubilee,” Baylon said.

“Entrusting our nation, our province, and our diocese to the maternal care of Our Mother of Salvation, let us continue to implore the aid of the Almighty Triune God, confident that He guides history and never abandons His people,” he added.