THOMASIANS should take a stand against massive corruption in government by calling out those accountable, UST Rector Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., said in his message during the candle lighting ceremony of the UST “Day of Prayer for Truth and Good Governance.”
In his speech, Ang condemned the large-scale theft of public funds through anomalous flood-control projects, noting that as a Catholic institution, the University has the responsibility to stand for truth and justice.
“Maghayag tayo ng tinig laban sa anumang uri ng katiwalian, sapagkat kinabukasan nating lahat ang nakataya sa labang ito,” Ang said.
“Sa mga Tomasino, magsama-sama tayong manindigan para sa isang lipunang maka-Diyos, makabayan, makatao at tunay na maka-Pilipino,” Ang added.
Ang said that for a long time, corruption has been “poisoning” institutions that are supposed to promote the welfare of Filipinos.
“Ang korapsyon ay parang sugat na pinababayaan. Sa simula’y, maliit, pero unti-unting lumalala, hanggang sa maging nakamamatay na impeksyon,” he said.
“Hindi maaring matahimik ang Simbahan at ang akademya habang ang dangal ng bayan ay nilalapastangan,” he added.
He said truth serves as a foundation of a just society, and the University carries the duty to teach truth that is liberating.
“Sa sistemang pinamumugaran ng korupsiyon, nawawalang-saysay ang paghahanap ng hustisya sa bayang mabilis makalimot sa kasaysayan at kawalan ng kakayahang matuto ng leksyon sa nakaraan,” he said.
Ang urged politicians and policymakers to become role models of honesty and to serve the country selflessly.
“Matatamo lang natin ang kaayusan kung mapapanagot natin lahat ng sangkot sa katiwalian sa pamamagitan ng matibay na ebidensya, sa pamamagitan ng katotohanan,” he said.
“Nawa’y, ang ating pagkilos ay laging nagmumula sa pag-ibig sa Diyos at malasakit sa bayan sa ngalan ng katotohanan, katarungan at kaayusan,” Ang added.
The candle lighting ceremony was held after the Eucharistic Celebration at the Santisimo Rosario Parish Church.
The “Day of Prayer for Truth and Good Governance” on Oct. 21 also included a lecture on integrity and accountability in public service, praying of the rosary, Mass, and the lighting of UST landmarks, symbolizing the “Light of Truth.” Louisse Raye Shara C. Santos with reports from Amanda Luella A. Rivera
