The Philippine Church must stop benefiting from the very corruption that it seeks to eradicate, says a social activist priest.

“There are some Church institutions that are receiving [money] from government institutions like the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagor), the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) etc.,” said Father Jose Dizon.

The priest, a member of Solidarity Philippines which promotes Church social teachings, made these comments amid controversy over huge bonuses and perks that officials of government owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) allegedly gave themselves.

The Philippine Senate is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.

Father Dizon said he knows of clergy who received money from Pagcor and PCSO and who are being derisively called “bishops from the Diocese of Malacanang.”

Malacanang is the official residence of the Philippine president, while PCSO is the government’s charity arm, providing funding for essential health and welfare projects nationwide.

Father Dizon also slammed the Senate-conducted investigation, saying President Benigno Aquino III has the power to immediately stop officials from giving themselves excessive bonuses and other perks.

“The Senate investigation is just like any investigation,” Father Dizon told ucanews.com.

“Issues are brought up but there is no action. Even if lawmakers say this is in aid of legislation, in most of the investigations there are no legislations made.”

He said he supports the call of Senator Franklin Drilon, who had asked the president to act on the problem “immediately” by replacing government officials.

“That is the problem of the new administration, many [officials] need to be replaced but this is not being done,” said Father Dizon.

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