Catholic bishops reject destabilization ahead of Iglesia ni Cristo rally

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Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula calls on the military 'to stay faithful to your oath to the flag and our country'

MANILA, Philippines – Catholic bishops rejected destabilization efforts against the Marcos government ahead of a three-day rally led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) beginning Sunday, November 16.

The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, warned against attempts to exploit recent allegations by former congressman Zaldy Co against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his cousin and former House speaker, Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez. 

Co, in a video statement, had tagged Marcos and Romualdez as the alleged brains behind the insertion of P100 billion ($1.69 billion) worth of projects in the 2025 national budget. Malacañang, in response, challenged Co to “come back to the country and sign everything he said under oath with the proper judicial authorities.”

Like Malacañang, the CBCP urged Co “to return to the country and file his charges before the proper authorities, under oath, and supported by verifiable evidence.”

“We likewise caution against the political exploitation of these allegations, especially when released at sensitive moments that may inflame public sentiment or be used to influence political outcomes. The Filipino people deserve clarity, not conjecture; truth, not rumor; accountability, not manipulation,” David said.

“We appeal to all parties involved to act with honesty, courage, and responsibility. May every step taken in this matter serve the cause of justice and strengthen — rather than erode — our people’s trust in the institutions tasked with safeguarding our democracy,” he added.

Cardinal Jose Advincula, archbishop of Manila, called for sobriety in a statement issued on Saturday, November 15.

“In moments of mass gatherings and public discourse, we do not let emotion prevail over reason. We must always adhere to the rule of law and resist any calls for extraconstitutional means to solve our problems. Our loyalty must be to our country and its democratic principles, not to persons, and certainly not to other self-serving motivations,” Advincula said.

Advincula also made an appeal to the military and police, as certain quarters have reportedly been trying to convince troops to withdraw support from Marcos.

“To those in the military and police force, and all in positions of public service, I appeal to you to stay faithful to your oath to the flag and our country and not to any particular personality. Your fidelity to the Constitution is vital for the stability and integrity of our republic,” the Manila archbishop said.

He stressed that the nation’s current challenges “demand not just pragmatic solutions but a profound spiritual response.” “I plead with everyone to examine our consciences, reform our lives, and live according to God’s will,” he said.

Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr., similarly rejecting destabilization efforts, personally delivered a letter of support to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, November 14.

Representing the entire Diocese of Cubao, Ayuban showed “support and solidarity” with Brawner and the entire AFP “as you continue to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.”

“We stand firmly with you in the defense of our democratic institutions and the Filipino people, especially in these challenging times for our nation. We value your steadfast commitment to preserving peace, order, and national unity in accordance with the principles of justice and democracy,” Ayuban said.

“We join you in praying for the peaceful and lawful resolution of the present situation our country faces,” he added.

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, in a separate statement, warned against quick solutions in the quest for justice.

“In our human impatience for swifter justice, we might be tempted to seek shortcuts or embrace extreme measures. Yet, our faith calls us to a higher standard. We are bound by our Christian duty to respect the law and the establishd processes, even when they seem slow or flawed,” Vilegas said.

He urged Filipinos to “be cunning in recognizing those who sow intrigue and innuendo, as well as those false prophets and ambitious adventurists who promise quick freedom of immediate solutions.”

“Furthermore, we must stand firmly against the specter of military adventurism or any form of violence as a means to short-circuit the path to true justice. The Church teaches that peace is the fruit of justice and dialogue, not the result of unchecked ambition or force. Our Prince of Peace calls us to be peacemakers, even as we struggle against evil,” Villegas said. – Rappler.com