Over 20,000 Catholics March Against Corruption in Manila
Over 20,000 Catholics gathered in Manila on October 25, 2025, for an Archdiocesan Penitential Walk and Holy Mass led by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D. The event, held in solidarity with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, aimed to address the nation's corruption issue through prayer and repentance.
The walk, described by Archbishop Valles as a way to 'lift up to God the suffering and brokenness of the nation', saw participants carrying rosaries, banners, and candles, creating a somber yet hopeful atmosphere. Strict security measures ensured the event's orderliness despite the massive turnout.
The Archbishop acknowledged corruption as a 'wound in the Filipino soul' and urged Filipinos to confront it through repentance, prayer, and concrete action. He reminded the faithful that corruption is a betrayal of one's divine identity and called for examination of corruption in both government and personal life.
Meanwhile, the Philippine government unveiled a new prison facility to house powerful legislators and public officials, including former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, implicated in a corruption scandal tied to flood control projects worth over P545 billion or US$9.5 billion since 2022.
The Penitential Walk concluded peacefully, with no incidents reported. Archbishop Valles declared corruption must once again be seen as a grave moral offense that steals from the poor and weakens the soul of the nation. The event marked a significant step in the fight against corruption, with the faithful committed to prayer and action.
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