Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president and Caloocan Bishop Cardinal Pablo “Ambo” Virgilio David revealed that several politicians have approached him seeking spiritual and moral guidance.
In the latest episode of “KC After Hours” on Saturday, October 18, Cardinal Ambo said he was surprised that some politicians see nothing wrong with the country’s persistent culture of political patronage.
“Nagulat ako na in some instances, some of them don’t see anything wrong about the politics of patronage. Kung minsan, naja-justify nila. Ibibigay naman ito sa mahihirap o sa mga constituents nila. Then some of it lands in their pockets,” he said.
He went on to explain that this mindset reflects a deeply rooted issue in the nation’s political system.
“There is something really systemic about our problem, e. Namayagpag talaga ang politics of patronage. And of course, political dynasties. Magkasama ‘yan, e. Magkarugtong ‘yan,” Cardinal Ambo added.
Because of this, he advised the politicians who approached him to acknowledge their wrongdoings and seek truthfulness as a step toward moral renewal.
“We have to be truthful, ‘no. Aminin natin […] if you want a liberation of conscience. Kasi ‘yong mga nakikita ko rito sa mga nami-meet ko, e. ‘Yong burden of conscience,” he said.
As CBCP president, Cardinal Ambo has been at the forefront of urging public officials to uphold integrity—especially amid ongoing investigations into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects.