CBCP head at Misa de Gallo: Uphold truth, accountability

December 17, 2025 – 7:00 AM

How logistics industry experts plan to ‘move forward’ after COVID-19

Reasons why Filipinos love Korean culture and products

Why Batangas is the destination for budget-friendly family holidays

The head of the Catholic bishops’ leadership used his homily during this year’s first Misa de Gallo to call on Filipinos to uphold truth and accountability.

Speaking at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian in Lipa City on Tuesday, Archbishop Gilbert Garcera urged the faithful to face lies and corruption with courage and honesty.

“Love without truth becomes mere sentimentality. Service without truth leads to pretense or injustice,” said Garcera, president of the bishops’ conference, in Filipino. “We are called to be bearers of truth, witnesses to truth.”

He criticized silence in the face of wrongdoing, saying fear, shame, or pretense often prevents individuals from speaking up the truth or standing for justice.

Garcera encouraged parishioners to be honest, seek justice, fix mistakes, and make spiritual and moral changes as Christmas approaches.

“True conversion is not only forgiveness but also correcting mistakes and repairing what has been damaged,” he said.

The archbishop also urged the faithful to let their faith guide actions, fostering a Church and nation that uphold justice and transparency.