Clergy group defers moral recovery program for review

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — The Clergy for Good Governance has deferred the implementation of the Moral Recovery Initiative for Government Officials, citing the need for further review and wider consultation with stakeholders, particularly the poor and marginalized sectors.

In a press conference on Thursday, Fr. Mao Buenafe, a member of the group, issued a statement explaining the reasons for the temporary suspension of the initiative.

Fr. Buenafe, who previously served as lead convenor of the Council of Concerned Citizens (C3), said he took on the role after being asked by Atty. Renecito Novero, who declined the post due to his position as a politician.

C3 was formed in Bacolod City earlier this year as a citizens’ watchdog group amid public concerns over alleged irregularities in government-funded flood control projects.

“I accepted the responsibility because the objective was valid, and the times clearly called for a citizens’ watchdog — an investigative body focused on the flood control projects,” Fr. Buenafe said.

He clarified that he stepped down as convenor after C3 decided to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission, since clergy are not allowed direct involvement in corporate entities unless authorized by the Catholic Church.

The priests initially involved in C3 have since remained as the group’s spiritual advisers.

Fr. Buenafe said the clergy-led group had earlier invited national and local government agencies — including the Office of the President, the Ombudsman, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Bacolod Congressional District Office, and the City Mayor’s Office — to take part in joint inspections and investigations of flood control projects.

He said Bacolod Representative Alfredo “Albee” Benitez was the first to respond and even requested a private meeting with the clergy to discuss the matter.

In their Oct. 4 meeting, Benitez reportedly sought moral guidance on restoring public trust and suggested organizing a retreat or recollection for government officials, Fr. Buenafe said.

That concept evolved into what was later proposed as the Moral Recovery Initiative.

Another meeting followed on Oct. 20 with Benitez, clergy members, and city officials to further shape the proposal.

They agreed the initiative should promote ethical reflection among public officials without interfering with any investigations related to the flood control projects.

After further consultation with clergy not present in earlier discussions, the group decided to “hold in abeyance” the initiative pending deeper internal review.

“We understand that the public is currently cautious and skeptical about collaborations with politicians,” Fr. Buenafe said.

“There is a prevailing perception of underlying motives, manipulation, and unstated objectives when engaging in dialogue with government officials,” he added.

He stressed the importance of refining the program’s content and framework to ensure it upholds integrity and transparency.

“We recognize that the most affected sector by corruption in government is the marginalized — the poor,” he said.

“Their input is essential to the success of the Moral Recovery Initiative. We must hear their recommendations on how misguided politicians can demonstrate genuine sincerity.”

Fr. Buenafe reiterated that the clergy’s mission is to champion accountability and to stand with the poor.

“As members of the Bacolod clergy, we stand with the poor and the marginalized. It is their voice that must be amplified on a larger platform. We are united in our call for honest and accountable leadership,” he said.

He also said the group has been given the free hand on how to proceed with the program’s implementation, with continued support assured.