25/06/2026
READ | On the White Ribbon Movement and Our Common Pursuit of Truth, Accountability, Justice, and National Healing
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, I invite our faithful to join the White Ribbon Movement by wearing white clothing or displaying white ribbons in their homes, vehicles, offices, schools, and churches.
As Archbishop of Cebu, I wish to express my support for this peaceful, faith-inspired, and non-partisan initiative.
The white ribbon is not a symbol of allegiance to any political party, candidate, or ideology. Rather, it is a symbol of values that should unite all people of goodwill: truth, integrity, accountability, justice, and righteousness in public life.
At a time when our nation continues to struggle with division, disinformation, corruption, abuse of power, and growing distrust in institutions, the White Ribbon Movement serves as a simple but meaningful reminder that our country can only move forward when truth is respected, justice is upheld, and public office is exercised as a sacred trust.
As Christians, we cannot be indifferent to the moral condition of society. Faith is not only about prayer and worship. Faith must also inspire us to care about the common good, to defend what is right, and to stand with those who suffer because of injustice.
We are all painfully aware that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to genuine national development. When public funds are stolen or misused, it is not merely government resources that are lost. What disappear are opportunities for the poor, medicines for the sick, classrooms for children, infrastructure for communities, and hope for many struggling families.
For this reason, I join many of our people in praying that all allegations of corruption be investigated fairly, honestly, and without fear or favor. We pray that those entrusted with public resources may be held accountable, that what rightfully belongs to the people be restored, and that justice be allowed to take its course.
This call is not motivated by hatred, vengeance, or partisan interest. It is motivated by our desire for truth and justice, without which there can be no lasting peace and no authentic national healing.
At the same time, I invite all of us to remember that the renewal of our nation must also begin within ourselves. It is easy to demand honesty from public officials, but we must also ask whether we are honest in our own dealings. It is easy to seek accountability from leaders, but we must likewise be accountable for our own actions.
The fight against corruption begins not only in government offices but also in our homes, workplaces, schools, businesses, and communities. Every act of honesty, every refusal to participate in wrongdoing, every effort to choose what is right contributes to the moral renewal of our nation.
The Gospel this Sunday reminds us that following Christ requires courage and sacrifice. Sometimes the cross we carry is the decision to stand for truth when it is easier to remain silent, to choose integrity when compromise is more convenient, and to pursue justice when indifference would be more comfortable.
I therefore encourage our faithful to continue praying for our nation, our leaders, our institutions, and one another. Let us ask God to purify our hearts, enlighten our minds, and strengthen our resolve to become instruments of truth, justice, and reconciliation.
May the white ribbon we wear be more than an external symbol. May it remind us of our commitment to live with integrity, to seek the truth, to defend what is right, and to work for a society where justice and compassion embrace.
May the Lord bless our beloved Philippines with leaders who serve selflessly, citizens who act responsibly, and institutions worthy of the peopleโs trust.
And may Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Philippines, intercede for our nation, that we may walk together toward truth, justice, peace, and national healing.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
โ ALBERTO S. UY
Archbishop of Cebu
