The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Saturday cautioned against the political misuse and manipulation of the allegations made by resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
In a statement signed by CBCP president Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, the group said that public accusations must be supported by sworn testimony and verifiable evidence presented before the proper authorities.
“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…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,” David said.
“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,” he added.
Co released two videos ahead of the start of a three-day prayer rally by the Iglesia ni Cristo today at the Rizal Park which seeks to call for transparency and accountability.
“The Filipino people deserve clarity, not conjecture; truth, not rumor; accountability, not manipulation,” the CBCP added.
In a separate pastoral statement, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula urged the faithful to remain vigilant, sober, and discerning amid mounting social and political tensions.
“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 persons, and certainly not to ambition,” Advincula said.
Advincula added that the Church stands with the nation in persistent prayer and collective action for renewal.
Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Cebu also released a pastoral appeal yesterday calling for calm, restraint, and adherence to truth amid competing claims and rising misinformation.
“This has created confusion and opened the door to misinformation. I appeal to everyone to remain calm, peaceful, and focused on the truth,” Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy.
For her part, Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima called on Co anew to return to the country and take oath to support his allegations involving the flood control mess and the budget insertions as she questioned the timing of his videos.
“His videos are not enough. Definitely, as a lawyer, (I can tell you) that alone won’t work. He needs to return and testify under oath,” she said.
“Anything less than that, we’d doubt what his agenda is, especially if he doesn’t possess enough credibility to back his claims,” she added.
