Catholic bishops define 'monitoring' role amid corruption in gov't

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January 26, 2026 | 5:57pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said it will coordinate with government agencies and civil society groups to help monitor government projects amid allegations of systemic corruption.

At a press conference on Monday, January 26, Caritas Philippines President and San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said the CBCP seeks to take part in monitoring the implementation of public projects.

"[We want] to precisely aid in the monitoring of the implementation of projects," Alminaza said.

"I think this is a bit providential that more and more we are aware of the extensive and the widespread corruption that we are really moved to will do something about it," he added.

"We cannot just expect one sector of society, the government alone, but it is really the work of everybody. And it has become systemic. That's why we need collective action to respond to this," Alminaza said.

Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said the Church supports public calls for accountability among officials implicated in corruption.

"Ang simbahan ay nakikiisa sa panawagan ng karamihan na ikulong ang mga kurakot," Bagaforo said. (The church joins the public's call to imprison the corrupt.)

'Conscience' and moral responsibility

Asked how the Church can be "synodal" toward politicians accused of corruption, newly elected CBCP President Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said the priority is awakening conscience.

"Sapagkat kahit na sinasabi mo sinasabi mo, pero pag walang konsensya iisip natin. So, we all believe we have all consciences. Mahalaga 'yon," Garcera said. ("Because no matter what you say, if there is no conscience, our thinking will be flawed. We all believe that we have consciences, and that is what matters.)

The CBCP president also called for the "conversion of the heart" of individuals involved in corruption, whether ordinary citizens or members of the Christian community.

"I think very important for us to be to be touched by the Holy Spirit I will say in our prayer so that proper conversion and synodality will be there," Garcera said.

No information on Zaldy Co feelers

Asked about reports that former lawmaker Zaldy Co had expressed surrender feelers through priests, Garcera said he had no information on the matter.

When asked whether priests are allowed to act as intermediaries, he said, "It depends on the situation."

On January 21, Co expressed intent for dialogue through Catholic priest "friends," who conveyed his message to the Office of the Ombudsman, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.