In a powerful display of civic and spiritual unity, a large crowd gathered for a prayer rally in Cebu on November 30, 2025, marking a significant moment in the nation's ongoing call for transparency. The event saw the emergence of a new, compelling voice in the fight against corruption: Archbishop Alberto S. Uy, the newly installed leader of the Archdiocese of Cebu.
A Prophetic Voice Against Graft
Archbishop Uy, who has led the country's largest local church in terms of priest count for merely two months, delivered a strongly worded address. Speaking at the inter-faith rally and during a Eucharistic homily, he directly confronted those accused of stealing trillions of pesos from the Filipino people. He framed the lost funds as stolen hope, stating the amount could have eased burdens for millions and altered the nation's destiny.
His rhetoric echoed the denunciations of biblical prophets, posing a poignant question to the alleged corrupt: "When was the last time you cried for your people?" He challenged them to repent and return what was stolen, placing a moral and spiritual imperative on the issue of graft.
A Courageous Call for Collective Self-Reflection
What set Archbishop Uy's message apart was its two-pronged nature. Beyond addressing public officials, he turned the mirror on the protesters and institutions demanding accountability. He invited everyone to examine their own practices regarding transparency and honesty.
"Is it not possible that the call for transparency would boomerang on many of the educational institutions, religious organizations, or even of the local church herself?" he asked. This introspective challenge prevents the movement from being one-sided and calls for integrity from all sectors of society, including those who protest.
Historical Parallels and Modern-Day Hypocrisy
The Archbishop's approach finds a parallel in Philippine Church history with figures like Fr. Mariano Sevilla. In the 19th century, Sevilla fought against the system subjugating native clergy but also acknowledged their deficiencies, calling them to higher virtue and learning. He understood that the battle was not between pure good and pure evil.
This historical lesson is crucial today. The commentary warns that protesting systemic corruption can become a shallow fad. Priests, school heads, and organizations might demand laws like the Freedom of Information Act while remaining secretive about their own finances. The core issue, as highlighted, is a culture of entitlement and a lack of empathy, which are the true roots of corruption.
Archbishop Uy's constant message, inside and outside the rally, is that claiming to be "answerable only to God" is far from real piety. True accountability is tangible and communal. The rally's ultimate takeaway is a call to action fueled not by anger alone, but by compassion—to truly suffer with the people and let that shared pain guide the pursuit of justice. As the piece concludes, the defining question for every Filipino, from leader to citizen, remains: "When was the last time we cried for our people?"
