The Catholic hierarchy warned Friday against the “political exploitation” of allegations aired by former congressman Zaldy Co, who is himself being linked to multibillion-peso flood control anomalies.
In a statement, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said Filipinos deserve “accountability, not manipulation.”
“We 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,” said Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, CBCP president.
Co, in a video statement, accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of orchestrating the insertion of 100 billion pesos’ worth of projects into the 2025 budget.
The former chair of the House appropriations committee also said he left the Philippines in July, supposedly to seek medical treatment in the United States.
Calling for truth, justice and due process, David urged Co to return to the country and bring his claims before the proper authorities, under oath and supported by evidence.
“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.
