Catholic Church officials on Monday reiterated their appeal for sobriety and respect for due process as the flood control corruption scandal continues to roil the political landscape.
They emphasized that the Church is not calling for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s resignation, contrary to claims circulating online.
Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs, said the bishops’ guidance remains clear: the public must stay calm and discerning while investigations move forward.
“Dapat na mapanuri pa rin ang mga tao. Panatilihin natin na tayo ay malumanay sa pagtanggap nitong mga impormasyon,” he said.
Secillano urged former Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Zaldy Co to return to the country, face inquiries, and substantiate his allegations.
“Sana ay bumalik dito ang dating kongresista para harapin niya ang mga imbestigasyon. At kung maaari ay mag-provide din po siya ng mga ebidensya para ma-corroborate ang kanyang mga isiniwalat,” he added.
He clarified that the Church’s position centers on accountability—not on unseating the President.
“Wala pong paninindigan ang Simbahan na pababain ang Pangulo… kung sino man po ang nasasangkot ay dapat litisin at kasuhan para magkaroon ng accountability,” he said.
Addressing speculation about attempts to oust Marcos or form a revolutionary government, Secillano stressed that the Church does not support such movements.
“Wala pong panawagan na mag-resign kung sinuman… basta ang mahalaga dito, may makakasuhan at umusad ’yung legal na proseso,” he said.
He noted that Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) recent rallies also focus on accountability rather than calls for the President to step down.
“Sila din naman po ay hindi naman nila pinagre-resign ang Pangulo… accountability din… sana walang sasantuhin sa imbestigasyon na ito,” he said.
Secillano added that while some groups are pushing for Marcos to resign, “hindi po kami kasali doon.”
Regarding the planned November 30 protest, he clarified that the CBCP is not endorsing the mobilization as an institution.
“Hindi po talaga ini-endorse ito ng kapulungan ng mga obispo… ayaw din natin na mabahiran ng politika ang kapulungan,” he said, though individual clergy may join based on personal conviction.