Cebu Archbishop Calls for Peaceful Anti-Corruption Rally on November 30

Cebu Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy has issued a call to all Cebuanos to participate in a peaceful and prayerful gathering scheduled for November 30, 2025, aimed at condemning corruption and advocating for transparent governance.

In a statement shared on social media, Uy, alongside the Cebu Anti-Corruption Coalition, urged the community to unite in a collective expression of concern and hope for a nation rooted in honesty and integrity. "I, your Archbishop, together with the Cebu Anti-Corruption Coalition, invite all peace-loving and pious Cebuanos to gather as one community this November 30, 2025, for a prayerful and peaceful assembly—an expression of our collective dismay, righteous anger, and deep desire for a renewed nation founded on integrity, honesty, and good governance," he explained.

The Archbishop highlighted Cebu’s longstanding reputation as a place of faith and goodwill. "We are a people known for our devotion, our resilience, and our deep longing for truth, justice, and peace," he said. He expressed deep concern over the persistent presence of graft and corruption in the country, describing it as both a moral and spiritual crisis. "Corruption is not only a political issue; it is a moral disease, a spiritual crisis, and a grave sin against God and neighbor," Uy stated.

The event, called SuPaKK (Sugboanong Pakigbisog Kontra Korupsyon), will begin with a Holy Mass at 2:30 p.m. at the Pilgrim Center of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. The Eucharistic celebration aims for the purification of the nation and the conversion of those involved in corrupt practices. Uy also noted that non-Catholic attendees will assemble separately at Plaza Independencia.

Following the Mass, a peaceful march will commence at 3:45 p.m., proceeding from the Pilgrim Center to Fuente Osmeña Circle, symbolizing solidarity, humility, and hope. A program featuring prayers, personal testimonies, and messages advocating sincere, transparent, and accountable public service will be held at 4:45 p.m. at Fuente Osmeña Circle.

Archbishop Uy emphasized the non-partisan and non-violent nature of the assembly, clarifying that it aims neither to deepen divisions nor to promote any political agenda. Instead, it seeks to unify Cebuanos under a common moral stand against corruption. Participants will collectively voice demands including "Enough with corruption," "Enough with deception," and "Enough with systems that hurt the poor and betray the common good."

The Archbishop called on a broad spectrum of society—parish communities, religious groups, youth organizations, academic institutions, civic leaders, families, and individuals—to join the event. He urged everyone to demonstrate Christian values not just within church walls but in societal actions. "Let us pray together. Walk together. Stand together. Witness together," he added.

Concluding his appeal, Uy warned that corruption thrives on silence and inaction but affirmed that when people unite through prayer and moral conviction, healing can begin. "Evil triumphs when good people remain silent. Corruption grows when honest citizens lose courage. But when God’s people rise—not in violence, but in prayer…not in hatred, but in moral conviction—something powerful happens: society begins to heal," he said.