MANILA(June 29) — Corruption does not begin in government offices—it begins in the human heart when self-interest takes priority over service, according to Jose Colin Bagaforo.
Delivering his homily on Sunday before participants of the White Ribbon Movement rally, Bagaforo said self-centeredness lies at the root of corruption and many of society’s deepest problems.
“Kapag sarili ang sentro, hahantong tayo sa kasakiman, pagkaka-kanya-kanya at ang temptasyon ng korapsyon,” the bishop said.
“When the self is the center, we are led to greed, selfishness, and the temptation of corruption.”
He contrasted this with a life centered on Christ.
“Kapag si Kristo ang sentro, matututo tayong magmahal, maglingkod, magsakripisyo at magmalasakit.”
“When Christ is at the center, we learn to love, serve, sacrifice, and care for others.”
Bagaforo said corruption flourishes when people lose the ability to empathize and begin placing personal interests above the common good.
According to the bishop, this mindset becomes especially dangerous when those entrusted with public office abandon their duty to serve and instead pursue personal gain.
“Sapagkat ang taong tunay na nagmamahal ay hindi magnanakaw sa kapwa,” he said.
“A person who truly loves does not steal from another.”
Reflecting on the day’s Gospel, Bagaforo challenged Catholics to examine not only whether they profess faith, but also whom they place at the center of their lives.
“The question in today’s Gospel is not only, ‘Do you love God?’ Rather, it is, ‘Whom do you put first—yourself, or God and your neighbor?’ That is what determines the quality of our discipleship as followers of Jesus,” he said.
The Mass, concelebrated with Roberto Gaa and other priests at the EDSA Shrine, formed part of the White Ribbon Movement’s activities calling for integrity in public service and opposing corruption and political dynasties.
Without endorsing any political position, Bagaforo’s message framed the fight against corruption not only as a legal or political challenge, but as a moral one—arguing that lasting reform begins with personal values and a commitment to serve others over self.
