In light of the Philippines’ escalating corruption scandals and the declining public trust in institutions, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) faith and academic leaders called for integrity and moral consciousness in public service.

Bringing together priests, educators, and students from around the country, the 3rd Annual Theological Conversation opened a critical discourse on the state of governance and the dimensions of leadership in the Philippines.

AdDU President Fr. Karel San Juan, SJ, described the country’s ongoing corruption issues as a “crisis of leadership,” rooted in the glorification of patronage politics and moral failures.

“It is perpetrated by politicians, bureaucrats, and contractors, making the problem systemic—but at its core, it is driven by greed, addiction to power, and a loss of conscience.” 

San Juan asserted that corruption thrives in a “phenomenon of the poor” known as “learned helplessness,” where citizens are conditioned to rely on political patrons for survival instead of demanding accountability. 

“[The poor become] very powerless in dealing with their situation, resigned to their fate, and just comfortable with being dependent on those who have the power to give money, dispense money and favors,” he explained. 

Drawing from Ignatian spirituality, he urged leaders and citizens to treat the crisis as an “invitation” towards moral and spiritual reform in leadership.

“The crisis in leadership we are facing today—this corruption, this moral decay—is an interruption to our national life, but also an invitation. An invitation for us to rediscover authentic leadership, to rebuild trust, to reclaim our moral compass as people.”

He further highlighted the roles of both leaders and citizens in promoting good governance and “healing the moral fabrics of society,” calling for authenticity in leadership.

“Leadership is not limited to those in power or office. Leadership is influence, and all of us have influence…we, too, lead in our own ways. And so, the call is to become authentic leaders in our own contexts,” San Juan added.

Redemptorist Province of Cebu Provincial Superior Rev. Edilberto Cepe, CSsR, underscored that the corruption scandals should be viewed as moral and spiritual challenges that extend beyond their political implications.

“We are in a time when leadership in our country is marked by corruption, moral confusion, and self-interest, and an erosion of truth and accountability, on bad and dysfunctional governance, but I think it is also a crisis of integrity, responsibility, discernment, and moral courage,” he said.

Cepe also stressed that those in authority must lead with accountability and compassion, using their positions to empower people rather than serve their own interests.

“True leadership rejects dominance and embraces service. Leadership is never about control or dominance; it is about stewardship, the responsible use of influence for the sake of others, especially the marginalized.”

Former legislator and Ateneo alumna Dr. Luzviminda Ilagan echoed Cepe’s remarks, condemning how public officials have abused their positions for personal gain.

“Our leaders have bastardized governance. The legislative branch crafts laws but also decides on projects and distributes ayuda, while the executive tampers with the budget—these are blatant, unconstitutional violations fueled by greed.” 

Ilagan also pointed out that addressing corruption begins with rebuilding the nation’s moral foundation through the formation of values in schools and homes.

“When people accept corruption as reality and feel immobilized to change it, that is a crisis of spirit. That’s why if we drum on our students that honesty is the best policy, and teachers show the example, then we can be inspired to change,” she stated.

Samahan ng Mga Mag-aaral ng Pamantasang Ateneo de Davao (SAMAHAN) Department of External Affairs Director Justin Felicia described the leadership crisis as both a burden and an opportunity to reshape the country’s future, accentuating that what the nation needs the most are leaders grounded in humanity.

“We have smart leaders and loud leaders, but what we need are human leaders—those who lead not from power but from purpose. We’re tired but not hopeless. We act not out of anger, but out of care, for truth, for justice, and for our shared home,” Felicia stated.

San Juan also urged leaders and citizens alike to ground their service in conscience and compassion, reminding them of the need to restore integrity in governance and “make politics sacred again.”

The “Crisis in Leadership: Interruptions and Invitations in the Philippine Context” forum was organized by the AdDU Theology Department and convened via Zoom on October 22.