Amid heightened public concern over corruption and declining trust in institutions in the Philippines, three respected religious leaders from the Catholic, Muslim, and Hindu traditions convened in a virtual Interfaith forum to discuss ethical leadership based on scripture. The forum was co-hosted by Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) Philippines and the International Peace Youth Group (IPYG) Indonesia.
Held on November 29, 2025, the online forum was attended by religious leaders, educators, youth, media, and peace advocates from the Philippines and Indonesia. The event highlighted the importance of ethical leadership rooted in compassion, justice, and integrity in rebuilding public trust and strengthening the role of citizens, especially the youth, as leaders in their communities.
A Unified Message: Integrity is Non-Negotiable
Dr. Renato Taib Oliveros, Catholic priest, peace advocate, and member of Jesuits Among Muslims in Asia (JAMIA), opened the discussion by drawing from both Christian and Islamic scriptures to illustrate the timelessness of moral law.
He cited verses from both Christian and Islamic scripture to emphasize that moral principles opposing corruption are foundational across religious traditions. However, he noted that today’s widespread corruption reflects a gap between these teachings and actual societal behavior.
After highlighting these scriptural warnings against corruption, Dr. Oliveros turned his message toward the youth, urging them to rediscover their deeper identity and moral purpose. He shared that many young people today “see themselves only as the one they see in the mirror,” forgetting the inner dignity and spiritual depth that guide ethical action. He emphasized that true ethical leadership does not begin with new laws but with an inner transformation—returning to one’s values, virtues, and the core teachings of scripture.
Islamic Perspective: Diversity and Cooperation as Antidotes to Corruption
From South Sulawesi, Indonesia, Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Galib M., MA, Professor of Qur’anic Studies and Tafsir at Alauddin State Islamic University of Makassar, expanded on how ethical leadership can only flourish when societies embrace compassion, mutual support, and unity across differences.
“Diversity must be approached with compassion,” he stressed, “so that human beings can interact dynamically and harmoniously—free from conflict, hostility, and bloodshed that may arise from differing interests.”
Citing Surah Al-Maidah (5:2), he reminded participants: “Help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and hostility.”
Concluding his message, he urged all to uphold unity and work together in building peace on earth, preventing disharmony and hostility across all faiths, cultures, and nations, “for we are one humanity.”
Hindu Teaching: Leaders Must Lead by Example and Serve the People
Missionary Hindu priest and youth lecturer Kavi Karnapura Das of International Krishna Consciousnes (ISKCON) highlighted a central message from the Bhagavad Gita (3.21): “Whatever action a great man performs, common men follow.”
He explained that ethical leadership begins with consistency between one’s values and actions. “[If] you are a corrupt government officer or a leader, and you tell others not to do the same, it will not work. The first principle of ethical leadership must start from leading by example,” he said.
He encouraged youth leaders, educators, and policymakers to integrate character formation, discipline, and servant leadership into educational systems so future leaders grow with integrity as their default compass.
Youth Reflections
Youth leaders shared reflections on how the forum strengthened their understanding of ethical leadership, followed by a Q&A session.
From the Philippines, Jhune Arcy, a student leader from Ilaya National High School, highlighted that despite the many challenges the Philippines faces today, a community guided by faith and grounded in God’s teachings can overcome dilemmas and uphold peace and unity.
Matthew from Urdaneta City University shared, “This event on ethical leadership did not only open my mind to new ideas, but reminded me to stay grounded in what truly matters as a leader.”
Moving forward, HWPL Philippines and IPYG Indonesia expressed their commitment to holding similar interfaith learning spaces regularly, continuing to empower young people to become ethical, compassionate, and principled leaders.
To further deepen their understanding of peace, ethics, and interfaith harmony, participants and interested youth are encouraged to join the Religious Peace Academy (RPA)—a self-paced online program where they can explore interfaith perspectives and scriptural discussions covering various topics.
Those who wish to learn more may register here for free: tinyurl.com/JoinRPANow
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