Catholic bishops urged the Philippine military to refrain from any destabilizing efforts against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid alleged flood control controversy involving government officials and others. On Nov. 14, former congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co accused Marcos and his cousin and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of alleged involvement in the insertion of 100 billion pesos ($1.69 billion) in the 2025 national budget.
The presidential palace denied Co’s charges and said that Co must return to the Philippines from the United States and “sign everything he said under oath with the proper judicial authorities.” Meanwhile, some former military officials, groups, and political parties have called for the resignation of Marcos.
In the aftermath of Co’s alleged revelations and calls for Marcos’ resignation from others, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said Co should return to the Philippines and appear before the court to clarify his allegation with 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 rumour; and accountability, not manipulation,” the cardinal said. He also appealed to all to trust in the institutions tasked with safeguarding democracy.
On Nov. 15, Cardinal Jose Advincula, archbishop of Manila, called on the military “to stay faithful to your oath to the flag and our country” in a statement.
“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 extra-constitutional means to solve our problems. Our loyalty must be to our country and its democratic principles, not to individuals, and certainly not to other self-serving motivations,” Advincula said.
“I urge all public servants, especially military and police, to honour their oath to the flag and our country, not to any one person. Your fidelity to the constitution is vital for the stability and integrity of our republic,” he said. According to Advincula, the Philippines’ present 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.”
