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MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) warned against “political exploitation” of the allegations of former AkoBicol party-list representative Zaldy Co and has appealed for due process, especially during sensitive periods “that may inflame public sentiment or be used to influence political outcomes.”
“In light of the serious allegations recently made public by Rep. Zaldy Co, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines calls for truth, justice and due process to prevail,” CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said.
Speaking publicly for the first time since going into hiding, Co alleged that President Marcos ordered the insertion of P100 billion worth of projects into the 2025 national budget during the bicameral conference committee last year.
In a video statement, Co said that resigned House speaker Martin Romualdez, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin all had “direct knowledge” of the controversial insertions.
“If his accusations are indeed credible and substantial, we urge him to return to the country and file his charges before the proper authorities, under oath and supported by verifiable evidence. Public declarations on social media, however alarming, cannot take the place of formal testimony in the appropriate legal venues,” David said.
Pangandaman supposedly informed Co at the start of the 2024 bicam process that “their meeting with the President has just been finished and there was an instruction to insert P100 billion worth of projects in bicam.”
She allegedly directed Co to confirm the matter with Bersamin, who affirmed that Marcos issued the instruction.
After receiving this confirmation, Co reported the matter to Romualdez, who allegedly replied: “What the President wants, he gets.”
A few days later, Pangandaman and Bersamin arranged a meeting with him and Romualdez at the Aguado building near Malacañang, with Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz present, Co claimed.
“For the good of the nation, such claims must be examined transparently, impartially and in accordance with the rule of law,” David added.
“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,” he said.
David asked 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,” David added.
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy yesterday also issued a pastoral appeal as claims and accusations into alleged corruption in flood-control projects continue.
“This has created confusion and opened the door to misinformation. I appeal to everyone to remain calm, peaceful and focused on the truth,” Uy said.
He also asked for a thorough, democratic and impartial investigation – free from political pressure.
“No whitewashing. No cover-ups. No protection for anyone involved. Those found guilty must face the law, and stolen funds must be returned to the people,” Uy added.
He added that the government must not only punish the corrupt but also build strong systems and policies that make corruption difficult to continue or thrive.
“I also encourage all citizens to be critical and discerning in reading and listening to news. Do not spread unverified information. Let us reject misleading narratives that cause anger, division and fear,” Uy said.
Reforms, accountability
Meanwhile, citizen-led democratic initiative, Democracy Watch Philippines, warned that the country is at a critical point, as new Social Weather Stations (SWS) data revealed deep public anger over corruption and the government’s perceived failure to curb it.
The “SWS Surveys on Corruption” showed 83 percent of Filipinos believe corruption is most widespread at the national level, and 73 percent identify senior government officials as among the most corrupt.
Two-thirds (66 percent) say the government’s anti-corruption efforts are “hardly effective,” while 77 percent of respondents in Mega Manila and 80 percent in Metro Manila believe corruption has worsened compared to three years ago.
“The SWS surveys reveal what many already know: the people are disgusted with corruption and their leaders’ hypocrisy. They are losing confidence in institutions that fail to deliver justice,” said Prof. Victor Andres Manhit, president of Stratbase Institute and lead convenor of Democracy Watch Philippines.
“The people are angry, and rightly so. Corruption robs us not just of public funds, but of the essential services and opportunities we deserve as citizens,” he added.
Manhit underscored that corruption is not merely a political issue but an economic one, citing how unethical leadership and weak institutions discourage investment and weaken competitiveness.
“To think that a country’s economic journey is far removed from good governance is simply wrong. The two are inseparable; no economy can thrive where corruption thrives,” he stressed. “Inclusive governance and economic progress go hand in hand. Corruption worsens inflation, weakens public services and pushes the poor deeper into poverty.”
The SWS surveys also highlight the public’s strong desire for transparency and accountability, with 74 percent favoring tougher penalties for corrupt officials, 71 percent supporting the filing of cases and 63 percent calling for full public access to officials’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth or SALN.
“Transparency, accountability and public trust are essential to long-term growth and stability. Filipinos are no longer content with promises. They want justice and reform, and they want leaders who are ethical and accountable,” Manhit emphasized.
Democracy Watch echoed the growing sentiment among civil society, faith-based groups and the private sector that the fight against corruption must go beyond rhetoric and be backed by institutional reforms and visible accountability.
Manhit pointed out that genuine reform requires sustained leadership that empowers citizens and protects democratic checks and balances.
“What the people demand now is drastic, substantial and specific. There has to be full transparency in government procurement, stronger independent oversight and real accountability for wrongdoing,” he said.
“Every peso lost to corruption is a peso taken from education, health care and the future of every Filipino family,” he added. — Artemio Dumlao
