By Helen Castaño | 01:42 AM September 15, 2025
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – In the wake of nationwide probes into alleged ghost and substandard flood control projects, a broad alliance of church, schools, and civil society groups in Bohol will take to the streets in a prayerful and peaceful rally against corruption on Sunday, September 21.
The mass action, dubbed “LIHOK BOL-ANON BATOK SA KORAPSYON” (LIHOK BOL-ANON), carries the theme “Pagpakabana Kontra Kurakot!” and aims to amplify the call for honesty, accountability, and transparency in government.
Spearheading the initiative is the Bohol Initiatives for Good Governance (BIGG), a newly formed civil society organization that denounced the alleged collusion of government officials and private contractors in ghost projects and unwarranted budget insertions.
“This activity is multi-sectoral, non-partisan, non-political, prayerful, and peaceful. It is a united call for justice, responsibility, and service above self,” the convenors said in a statement.
In its declaration, LIHOK BOL-ANON stressed:
“Recent developments on uncovering of DPWH Flood Control Ghost Projects and unwarranted national budget insertions have once again revealed troubling anomalies… These incidents remind us that corruption remains a deeply rooted challenge. In such moments, the people rightfully look to their leaders for accountability, transparency, and the assurance that justice will be pursued under the law.”
Walk for Good Governance
The prayer walk will begin at 3:00 p.m. from three assembly points:
Toni’s Barbecue (V.P. Inting St.) – for CSOs, NGOs, POs, and nearby residents
In front of Camp Dagohoy (J.A. Clarin St.) – for students, schools, youth, and nearby residents
Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (K of C, Gallares St.) – for parish-based groups, religious organizations, and nearby residents
All groups will converge at Plaza Rizal, in front of the Tagbilaran Cathedral, for a short program featuring speeches, songs, dances, and prayers. The highlight will be the Prayer and Lighting Ceremony of Hope, to be led by Most Rev. Alberto “Abet” Uy, Bishop of Tagbilaran and Archbishop-Designate of Cebu.
Participants are encouraged to wear white as a symbol of purity and integrity, and to bring candles, umbrellas, snacks, and mats or chairs.
A press conference is set for Thursday, September 18, at JJ’s Seafood Village to further outline the details of the activity.
