Benitez, Bacolod clergy tackle flood, ethics reforms

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod Representative Albee Benitez met with four Bacolod priests to discuss key issues affecting the city, including corruption, moral renewal, and ongoing flood control challenges.

Benitez’s spokesperson, Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, said Monday that the meeting was attended by Fr. Aniceto “Mao” Buenafe Jr., Fr. Armando “Arman” Onion, Fr. Filomeno “Menong” Duaban, and Fr. Hermes “Mench” Fabio.

Joining Benitez were Vice Mayor Kalaw Puentevella and City Councilors Caesar Distrito, Thaddy Sayson, Celia Flor, and Al Espino.

The discussion aimed to strengthen cooperation between the Church and local government in promoting good governance and moral recovery, Distrito said.

The dialogue followed Benitez’s earlier meeting with Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines President Cardinal Ambo David, where they discussed the moral and ethical challenges confronting public service, particularly corruption in infrastructure projects.

Cardinal David emphasized that true moral renewal requires confession, contrition, restitution, and penance, adding that “there can be no reconciliation without truth.”

He also cautioned against allowing political expediency to prevail over the people’s welfare.

During the meeting, Benitez explained the underlying causes of Bacolod’s flooding and outlined reforms to promote transparency and accountability in the implementation of public works.

He expressed support for a proposed ordinance requiring the Department of Public Works and Highways to consult and coordinate with the city government before undertaking national projects in Bacolod.

The priests, led by Fr. Buenafe, expressed full support for the Flood Summit initiated by Benitez and commended his courage in speaking out against wrongdoing within his own ranks.

They also proposed creating a Moral Recovery Program to begin at the barangay level, with recollections for city and barangay officials and a possible extension to purok leaders.

However, the clergy stressed that their support for moral recovery initiatives would not deter the Church from seeking the truth about alleged irregularities in flood control projects or from supporting citizens’ efforts to hold officials accountable.

The dialogue also tackled the revival of anti-mendicancy campaigns and a proposal for voluntary recollections among city officials as a symbolic act of humility and accountability.

Benitez, together with Vice Mayor Puentevella and the councilors present, welcomed the priests’ proposals and affirmed their shared commitment to promoting truth, integrity, and moral leadership in Bacolod City.