Philippine bishops warn against military adventurism as ex-lawmaker accuses President Marcos Jr of P100-B budget corruption; Church calls for truth, dialogue and rule of law.
Newsroom (17/11/2025 Gaudium Press ) The Catholic Church in the Philippines issued a unified and forceful appeal for stability on Sunday, explicitly rejecting any military intervention or extra-constitutional measures as the country reels from fresh corruption allegations levelled against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The accusations, posted on social media by former Ally of the administration and ex-Ako Bicol party-list representative Alfredo “Zaldy” Co — who fled to the United States after resigning in September amid a separate flood-control projects controversy — claim that Marcos and Romualdez personally intervened to insert P100 billion (approximately $1.69 billion) worth of questionable projects into the 2025 national budget.
Malacañang swiftly dismissed the claims as baseless and challenged Co to return to the Philippines and repeat his allegations under oath before judicial authorities.
In a series of statements released over the weekend and on Sunday, senior prelates warned that exploiting the scandal for political ends or to incite unrest would only deepen the nation’s wounds.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), stressed that “the Filipino people deserve clarity, not conjecture; truth, not rumours; and accountability, not manipulation.” He cautioned against allegations surfacing “at sensitive times that could inflame public opinion or be used to influence political outcomes.”
Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula directly addressed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police, urging them to “remain faithful to your oath to the flag and to the country, and not to any particular personality.” He added: “We must always adhere to the rule of law and resist any call for extra-constitutional means to solve our problems.”
On 14 November, Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr delivered a letter of support to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr at Camp Aguinaldo, pledging the Church’s prayers for “a peaceful and legal resolution” to the crisis.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, a former CBCP president, warned Filipinos to be “astute in identifying those who sow intrigue” and those “false prophets and ambitious adventurers who promise immediate freedom or quick fixes.” He insisted that “peace is the fruit of justice and dialogue, not the result of unbridled ambition or force.”
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy, whose archdiocese has been battered by recent deadly floods, called the corruption allegations surrounding flood-control funds “confusing” and a breeding ground for misinformation. He demanded “a rigorous, democratic and impartial investigation — free from political pressure,” adding emphatically: “No cover-ups. No protection for anyone involved. Those found guilty must face the law, and the stolen funds must be returned to the people.”
Archbishop Uy also urged the government to erect stronger anti-corruption systems and encouraged citizens to be “critical and discerning” consumers of news, rejecting narratives that “generate anger, division and fear.”
As the Philippines grapples with recurring floods, political scandals, and lingering memories of martial law and People Power revolts, the Catholic hierarchy — historically a moral compass in times of national crisis — has positioned itself firmly on the side of constitutional order, transparent investigations, and non-violent reform, while making clear that genuine accountability for corruption remains non-negotiable.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Asianews.it
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