Filipinos must keep pushing for political accountability and genuine transparency in the ongoing investigation of alleged anomalous multibillion-peso public infrastructure projects without ‘burning the house down,’ the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) appealed on Sunday.
Caloocan City Bishop and CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David delivered this message during the Trillion Peso March 2.0 gathering at the EDSA People Power Monument, emphasizing that fighting corruption should not come at the cost of destroying democratic institutions.
“We came here at EDSA because we are against quick fixes. We don’t need to burn down the entire house just to catch and hold accountable the cockroaches and rats in our society,” David said in Tagalog, referring to corrupt public officials, who were holding back the country’s progress.
He firmly rejected calls aimed at seeking the resignation of the incumbent leadership to pave the way for a civilian-military junta as the flood control corruption scandal deepened, acknowledging that real political changes take time and would not happen overnight.
“How can we hold the guilty accountable if we keep starting from nothing? Our democratic system isn’t perfect, but it’s better than having none at all. It’s a work in progress. That’s why we’re here—we have to complete the EDSA Revolution, a peaceful revolution, a work in progress,” David emphasized.
The CBCP leader said he understood that Filipinos have grown tired of recurring corruption issues, but he cautioned against demands for the immediate resignation of government officials without a clear alternative.
David also issued a strong warning against military intervention, describing it as a “tragedy” that would bring more harm than good. He thanked members of the armed forces and uniformed personnel, who remain true to their mandates and continue to uphold the rule of law despite political tensions.
“We reject proposals for a ‘transitional council’ or a revolutionary government because we refuse to let the Philippines become a ‘banana republic.’ We also oppose any civilian or military junta, even if bishops are promised government positions,” the CBCP president said.
“It is clear to us that politics and governance are not our calling. We will never allow ourselves to be tempted into becoming like the Taliban. Our role is strictly moral and spiritual leadership. That is why we are here with you—we are simply part of a Church journeying with the entire nation,” he added.
David also issued a direct call to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to “finish what he started” and ensure that those who pillaged public funds will indeed be held accountable.
“Mr. President, even though it is clear that you have command responsibility over the atrocious butchering of the national budget… Our appeal is just simple: Do your job,” David told President Marcos.
“Stand by what you have started… Show that you will see it to the end through a truly transparent ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure) investigation that will hold the corrupt accountable, wherever the evidence may lead, without sparing anyone,” the CBCP leader added.
Caritas Philippines Chief Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, for his part, emphasized that the Trillion Peso March movement is not political, but a moral stand for truth, justice, and honest governance. The November 30 rally was held with thousands in attendance as Filipinos also marked Bonifacio Day.
He highlighted the simultaneous protests happening in 86 dioceses and numerous groups nationwide as proof of a broad and growing unity against corruption. The movement listed five key demands during the protest action:
- Expose the truth behind massive corruption in the flood control mess with “no cover-ups” and “no sacred cows.”
- To return stolen public funds, demanding that those who enriched themselves through anomalous deals should “forfeit assets now.”
- Imprisonment for corrupt public officials and the prosecution and punishment of everyone involved.
- For Filipinos to “respect the Constitution;” therefore, “no military junta” and “no revolutionary government.”
- Essential reforms must start with dismantling political dynasties and ending abuses in the party-list system to “let the Filipino win.”
“Let us strengthen our Constitution, democracy, and the rule of law in our country. We will not allow any attempt to hijack our democracy. Not the Forces of Darkness. Not the Forces of Evil. And certainly not those pushing for an undemocratic military junta,” Bagaforo said.
