Rally vs corruption: Archdiocese expects 5,000 participants

CEBU, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Cebu is preparing for a massive, province-wide anti-corruption gathering on November 30, with organizers estimating at least 5,000 participants from various sectors and communities.

 In an interview yesterday, Brenette Abrenica, a volunteer of the SuPaKK: Sugboanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korapsyon steering committee, said the event has been fully sanctioned and supported by Cebu Archbishop Most Rev. Alberto S. Uy, who personally approved the activity.

    “It was already sanctioned by the Archdiocese of Cebu, by the Archbishop himself. I don’t know if we can have a good estimate, but at least 5,000 people are expected to come from different groups and organizations,” Abrenica said.

    Abrenica emphasized that the gathering is meant to unite Cebuanos in a moral stand against corruption, especially as its impacts worsen the suffering of communities during calamities.

   “The experiences of people during calamities are brought about by corrupt practices in government as well as the indifference of people sa panahon nga kinahanglan mo-pili og sakto nga mga leaders,” she said.

    She added that delays and irregularities in projects intended for public welfare contribute to the vulnerability of communities facing climate-related hazards.

    Despite comparisons to other rallies and protest actions, Abrenica clarified that SuPaKK will not call for the resignation of any government official, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

   “Messages should be corruption-focused. There will be no mention of politicians. We were very explicit, messages like ‘resign all,’ ‘bring him home,’ or any insinuation to a politician is not allowed,” she stressed.

    With dozens of organizations expressing support, some have asked how organizers can guarantee that groups adhere to the guidelines.

    Abrenica answered that the Archdiocese will issue clear instructions to all participants beforehand. “The Archbishop was very passionate in saying we will inform them of the guidelines because we don’t want this event on November 30 to be the first and the last,” she explained.

    She also clarified that politicians are welcome to join the rally as ordinary participants, but they will not be allowed to speak onstage. “People who will speak are pre-identified and pre-informed. The message is aligned with the very reason why there is SuPaKK,” Abrenica said.

   Abrenica said the steering committee has expanded its working groups after a meeting on November 20 to ensure smooth preparation.

      The anti-corruption rally on November 30 will also feature a Holy Mass, united prayer actions, and sectoral messages centered solely on integrity, good governance, and the moral duty of citizens to reject corruption in all forms.

  Earlier, Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy has called on all peace-loving Cebuanos to join “SuPaKK: Sugboanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korapsyon” on Sunday, November 30, a province-wide, prayerful movement advocating for truth, integrity, good governance, and the protection of the environment.

    The archbishop’s appeal seeks to unite clergy, religious communities, lay faithful, youth groups, educators, civic leaders, and people of all faith traditions in a collective stand that corruption and environmental destruction have no place in a just and compassionate society.

      The gathering will begin with a Holy Mass at 2:30 p.m. at the Pilgrim Center of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu. A peace march will follow at 3:45 p.m., with participants walking from the Basilica to Fuente Osmeña Circle.

    The program proper will start at 4:45 p.m. at Fuente Osmeña, where various groups are expected to deliver messages of unity, accountability, and shared responsibility for Cebu’s future.

    This province-wide appeal brings together clergy and religious, lay faithful, young people, educators, civic leaders, and members of all faith traditions, walking side by side in a peaceful witness that corruption and environmental destruction have no place in a society built on justice and compassion.

   “Truth must reign. Integrity must rise. For Cebu. For our nation. For future generations," Archbishop Abet emphasized, declaring: “Let us stand as one community. See you there!” (CEBU NEWS)