Karl Yngojo, of Kamanggagawa Partylist, delivered a thought-provoking talk on corruption and civic responsibility during the celebration of Social Development Week 2026 at Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan in Cagayan de Oro City on March 3, 2026.
Speaking on the theme “Selective Outrage and Shared Responsibility: Understanding our Role in Corruption,” Yngojo challenged participants to reflect on how society often condemns corruption only when it involves political rivals or high-profile scandals, while overlooking everyday practices that also contribute to the problem.
The forum gathered a diverse audience that included university students, leaders of civil society organizations, local government executives, members of the legal sector, and representatives from the media. The event formed part of the university’s Social Development Week 2026, celebrated under the theme “Pagtubag sa Hagit sa Panahon: Nurturing Legacies and Serving Communities.”
During his presentation, Yngojo emphasized that corruption should not be seen solely as a problem of government officials but as a broader societal issue that requires collective accountability.
“Selective outrage weakens our fight against corruption,” he said, stressing that citizens must hold the same standards for all public officials regardless of political affiliation. He also urged the audience to examine their own roles in promoting integrity, transparency, and ethical behavior in daily life.
The discussion highlighted how corruption can persist not only through large-scale misuse of public funds but also through smaller, normalized practices such as patronage politics, favoritism, and the tolerance of unethical behavior in institutions and communities.
Participants engaged actively during the open forum, raising questions about how young people and civic groups can help strengthen accountability mechanisms and promote good governance. Many students expressed interest in becoming more involved in advocacy work and community engagement initiatives that encourage transparency and responsible leadership.
Organizers of Social Development Week said the lecture aimed to encourage critical reflection among participants, particularly the youth, about the social and moral dimensions of corruption and the importance of shared responsibility in addressing it.
By bringing together voices from the academe, government, civil society, and the media, the event sought to foster dialogue and inspire collaborative action toward building more ethical institutions and empowered communities.
Social Development Week 2026 continues to feature a series of activities, forums, and community engagement programs designed to cultivate leadership, strengthen social responsibility, and encourage meaningful service to communities in response to the challenges of the times.
