BACOLOD City – The Bacolod clergy has decided to postpone the scheduled conduct of the “moral recovery initiative for government officials,” an activity aimed at addressing corruption and promoting moral renewal in public service.
The initiative, earlier referred to by Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez as the “White Revolution,” was initially set for November 13.
Reverend Father Aniceto Buenafe, speaking during a press conference held on October 23 at the Negros Press Club Building, announced the decision to hold the initiative in abeyance.
He explained that after conferring with several fellow priests — particularly those who were not present during the earlier meeting with Congressman Benitez — they agreed to re-evaluate the proposal for the planned retreat and recollection.
“We understand that the public is currently cautious and skeptical about collaborations with politicians. There is a prevailing perception of ‘underlying motives,’ ‘manipulation,’ and ‘unstated objectives’ when engaging in dialogue with government officials,” Buenafe said.
The priest added that the clergy needs more time to review and refine the approach to the moral recovery initiative, solidify its objectives, and clearly define its targets and goals.
“We recognize that the most affected sector by corruption in government is the marginalized and the poor. 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,” he added.
Buenafe stressed that the Bacolod clergy stands 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.
To recall, on October 20, Benitez invited the clergy to another meeting with city officials to discuss how to move forward with the proposed retreat and recollection.
The group agreed to call it the “Moral Recovery Initiative for Government Officials.” During that meeting, the priests clarified that the initiative would not interfere with any ongoing inquiries or positions concerning the alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Benitez first met with the clergy on October 4, during which he expressed frustration over issues within the government and sought moral guidance from church leaders on how to restore public trust. It was during that meeting that the idea of a spiritual retreat for public officials was first raised.
It is also known that Fr. Buenafe previously served as the lead convenor of the Council of Concerned Citizens (C3), a watchdog group that monitors flood control projects. He later stepped down after C3 decided to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), explaining that clergy involvement in corporations is limited unless sanctioned by the Roman Catholic Church. The priests formerly associated with C3 now serve as the group’s spiritual advisers.
For his part, Benitez said he respects the decision of the Bacolod clergy to defer the moral recovery initiative.
“We fully agree that the short period of preparation requires more time for dialogue and discussion, particularly on the mechanics and objectives of the activity,” he said.
Benitez also emphasized that he values the clergy’s input in shaping the program.
“We deeply value the guidance and wisdom of our priests, and we welcome the opportunity to work closely with them in refining the program so that it may truly reflect both moral and civic values. Together, we share the same aspiration—to promote honesty, accountability, and moral renewal in public service for the good of our city and our people,” he added./PN
