LINGAYEN-DAGUPAN Archbishop Socrates Villegas has called on the Filipino people to rise in prayer, vigilance, and peaceful action against what he describes as a “scourge” of massive and multi-layered corruption that continues to afflict the nation.

In a statement on October 1, 2025 titled “Praying with the Church Through Troubled Times: Conquer Evil with Good!”, he made the rallying call as the country tackles yet another corruption scandal involving hundreds of billions of pesos in public funds.

“Our country is in deep trouble,” he said. “The woes and pains, the frustrations and despair of our people are our concern.”

The archbishop decried the stark inequalities in society — where some can afford luxury vehicles and lose millions in casinos, while many Filipinos cannot access basic healthcare or send their children safely to school.

Investigations are ongoing into ghost projects, pre-paid contractors, and the continued misuse of the national budget — scandals reminiscent of the now-illegal Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or ‘pork barrel’, declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in the landmark 2013 Belgica v. Ochoa ruling.

Villegas demanded accountability and restitution from legislators who diverted public funds for personal gain.

“They must atone and restore the stolen! Heaven knows such crimes against the poor!,” he said.

While expressing solidarity with growing public outrage, Villegas strongly warned against resorting to violence or messianic populism that promises change but delivers chaos.

Instead, he urged the nation to commit to bold and immediate reforms, especially in the budgeting process.

“NAKIKIUSAP PO KAMI! To both the Executive and Legislative branches of government to be sincere in their resolve to stamp out this corrupt practice. Every appropriation must correspond to a genuine need of the people. NOW!”, he stressed. (Eva Visperas)