Manila, Cardinal Advincula: “No to military coups in the country”

While President Marcos himself is implicated in corruption allegations by a former deputy, the country's bishops warn against solutions that would destabilise the country. Cardinal David: “The Filipino people deserve truth, not rumours; responsibility, not manipulation”. Bishop Villegas: “Peace is the fruit of justice and dialogue, not unbridled ambition or force”.

Manila (AsiaNews) - As the country continues to be deeply shaken by allegations of corruption against government officials, the Catholic bishops of the Philippines warn against possible military coups and expressly call on the army to avoid any destabilising efforts.

The Church is concerned about the climate of general delegitimisation that risks opening the door to false solutions. The latest episode is the accusations that former MP Zaldy Co, who resigned in September after the controversy over flood control projects and is now in the United States, posted on social media yesterday against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, of having played a role in the inclusion of projects worth 100 billion pesos (US.69 billion, ed.) in the 2025 national budget. The presidency has rejected these accusations, stating that Co should return to the Philippines and ‘sign under oath everything he said before the competent judicial authorities’.

‘We urge that these allegations not be exploited politically,’ said Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Bishops' Conference, commenting on this latest development, ‘especially when they are made at sensitive times that could inflame public opinion or be used to influence political outcomes. The Filipino people deserve clarity, not conjecture; truth, not rumours; and accountability, not manipulation.’

Today, the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Jose Advincula, issued a statement calling on the army to ‘remain faithful to its oath to the flag and to our nation.’ ‘We must not let emotion prevail over reason,’ he added. ‘We must always adhere to the rule of law and resist any call for extra-constitutional means to solve our problems. Our loyalty must be to the country and its democratic principles, not to individuals, and certainly not to opportunistic motives.’

‘To those in the armed forces and police, and to all those in public service, I appeal: remain faithful to your oath to the flag and the country, and not to any particular personality. Your loyalty to the Constitution is essential to the stability and integrity of our republic,’ Advincula said.

The current challenges facing the Philippines, the Archbishop of Manila concluded, ‘require not only pragmatic solutions but also a profound spiritual response. I implore everyone to examine their conscience, reform their lives and live according to God's will.’

The Bishop of Cubao, Monsignor Elias Ayuban Jr., also rejected the idea of destabilising efforts against the Marcos government, delivering a letter of support to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Romeo Brawner Jr., at Camp Aguinaldo on 14 November. ‘We join you in praying for a peaceful and legal resolution to the current situation facing our country,’ he commented.

In another statement, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan said there is no need for quick fixes as the country aspires to justice. He urged his fellow citizens to ‘be astute in identifying those who sow intrigue and insinuation, as well as those false prophets and ambitious adventurers who promise immediate freedom or quick fixes.’ ‘Furthermore, we must firmly oppose the spectre of military adventurism or any form of violence as a means of interrupting the path to true justice. The Church teaches that peace is the fruit of justice and dialogue, not the result of unbridled ambition or force,’ he added.

For his part, Archbishop Alberto S. Uy of Cebu, the city deeply affected by flooding in recent weeks, said today that "many allegations and accusations have emerged about alleged corruption in flood control projects, creating confusion and opening the door to misinformation. I urge everyone to remain calm, peaceful and focused on the truth. We call for a rigorous, democratic and impartial investigation - free from political pressure. No cover-ups. 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," Uy said.

Calling on the government not only to punish the corrupt but also to build ‘robust systems and policies that make it difficult to continue or fuel corruption,’ the prelate encouraged Filipinos ‘to be critical and discerning in reading and listening to the news. Do not spread unverified information. Let us reject misleading narratives that generate anger, division and fear.’

‘Let us reject all violent or illegal means of addressing these issues, as violence will only bring more suffering,’ he concluded, asking people to pray that ‘the truth will be revealed, courage will guide our leaders, and justice and peace will heal our nation.’