Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas cautioned the public against individuals or groups using public frustration over government corruption to advance personal or political interests.
In a pastoral statement, Villegas said rising public anger has created an environment vulnerable to manipulation by those seeking influence through “intrigue and innuendo.”
He urged the faithful to be wary of “false prophets” and “ambitious adventurists” who offer quick solutions that often mask self-serving motives.
“We must be cunning in recognizing those who sow intrigue, as well as those who promise quick freedom or immediate fixes,” the archbishop said, adding “They often serve their own political ambitions rather than the common good. Not everything that glitters is gold.”
Villegas, a protégé of the late Jaime Cardinal Sin and former president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, rejected any call for violence or military intervention to fast-track justice. He said peace can only be achieved through justice and dialogue, not “unchecked ambition or force disguised as heroism.”
He acknowledged that delays in delivering justice can make drastic measures appear tempting, but stressed that faith requires adherence to truth, due process, and respect for the law.
“The pursuit of justice must never compromise the principles of truth and due process that uphold human dignity,” he said.
