'Bothered by conscience': Lawmakers in corruption scandal turning to church
MANILA, Philippines — They come quietly, sometimes in person, sometimes through intermediaries, seeking not political advice but forgiveness and counsel.
Kalookan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said some lawmakers involved in corruption have turned to the Church, troubled by their conscience amid public outrage over government scandals.
In an interview on the “KC After Hours” podcast released October 18, David revealed that several legislators from both the Senate and House of Representatives have approached him and other members of the clergy for spiritual guidance.
“Some of them seek counsel from us. Kasi mga Katoliko din sila, and at some point, they get bothered by their conscience also. They seek our some counsel,” the cardinal said. (Some of them seek counsel from us. Because they're also Catholics, and at some point, they get bothered by their conscience too. They seek out some counsel.)
“We will not turn down people who, in all honesty, are really seeking our spiritual and moral advice... kahit ano pang reputasyon nila.”
(We will not turn down people who, in all honesty, are really seeking our spiritual and moral advice…no matter what their reputation is.)
'They justify it... for their constituents'
David said he was struck by how some lawmakers rationalize the politics of patronage, convincing themselves that their misuse of public funds is acceptable if it benefits their constituents.
“Kung minsan na-justify nila, ibibigay naman ito sa mahihirap o sa mga constituents nila, and of course, some of it land in their pockets,” he said. (They sometimes try to justify it by claiming the funds will go to the poor or to their constituents, but naturally, some of it is diverted into their own pockets.)
The prelate described corruption as a systemic moral illness, worsened by a political culture that normalizes personal gain under the guise of public service.
“There is something really systemic about our problem,” he said, adding that the lawmakers’ guilt is often amplified by public criticism and online backlash.
Need for 'moral recovery'
David said those who approach the clergy seem aware that what the country needs is not only political reform but moral recovery.
"It's like our country is sick. And I think we have to call a spade a spade," he said. (It seems they recognize that the country needs moral recovery, and it's like our nation is sick, and I believe we have to call a spade a spade.)
David, who was formally installed as cardinal of his titular church in Rome on Sunday, October 19, is known for his outspoken stance against injustice and corruption.
He was among church leaders who joined the Trillion Peso March, a massive anti-corruption rally in September, standing alongside civic and youth groups demanding government accountability.
He was appointed to the College of Cardinals by the late Pope Francis in October 2024.
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