CBCP warns against ‘political exploitation’ ahead of big rallies
Leaders of the Roman Catholic Church cautioned over the weekend against attempts to exploit political issues and the push for “extra-constitutional means” in solving the country’s problems, particularly the alleged systematic corruption in government budget allocation and public works.
In separate statements on Saturday, a day before the planned three-day rallies in Manila and Quezon City by two separate groups, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Archdiocese of Manila also called for truth, justice and due process to be upheld.
The CBCP statement signed by its president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David referred to the “serious allegations” made by former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co in a Facebook video implicating President Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez as alleged masterminds behind P100-billion insertions in the 2025 national budget.
“Public declarations on social media, however alarming, cannot take the place of formal testimony in the appropriate legal venues. For the good of the nation, such claims must be examined transparently, impartially, and in accordance with the rule of the law,” the CBCP said.
It urged Co, who left the country in July reportedly for medical treatment, to return from abroad and “file his charges before the proper authorities, under oath, and supported by verifiable 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 CBCP said.
Archbishop of Manila Cardinal Jose Advincula released a rejoinder to the CBCP’s appeal, stressing Filipinos should not let emotion prevail over reason.
Police, military on standby
“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 other self-serving motivations,” Advincula stated.
Two anticorruption rallies have been planned from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, today up to Tuesday, by Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at Rizal Park in Manila and by United People’s Initiative (UPI), a group of retired military officers, at the Edsa Shrine and People Power Monument in Quezon City.
The Philippine National Police said Saturday it was on full alert, “our personnel are ready to respond to any situation.”
“We respect the public’s right to peaceful assembly and are committed to keeping the gatherings safe, orderly, and secure,” said PNP acting chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.
Aligned statements
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy 16,433 personnel for the simultaneous rallies. Maj. Hazel Asilo, NCRPO spokesperson, said 7,792 of them would come from the regional commands.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines high command, the Army and the Navy earlier released separate statements reaffirming their nonpartisanship.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said the military remains loyal to civilian authority and will not take part in any action that violates the Constitution.
“Not today, not tomorrow, and certainly not under my watch,” Brawner said in a statement on Friday.
He said AFP respects the public’s right to peaceful assembly even as he cautioned against infiltrators who may attempt to exploit the gatherings. Brawner urged organizers and participants to safeguard the integrity of their assemblies.
On Saturday, the Philippine Army also reaffirmed its commitment to defend the nation’s sovereignty.
“We firmly reject lawless and unconstitutional actions that will undermine our national security and stability,” Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said.
The Philippine Navy stressed that its sailors and marines operate “always, without compromise” within the Constitution and with full respect for civilian authority.
“In every mission, every patrol and every watch, our hearts are with the people we serve,” said flag officer in command Vice Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta.
The Quezon City government announced the closure of White Plains Avenue today due to the UPI rally.
UPI applied for permit to hold a rally at the People Power Monument on Edsa from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, but was granted permission only for Nov. 16.
Traffic advisories
The city government warned of heavy traffic around the monument on Edsa, Katipunan Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, White Plains Avenue and Temple Drive. Parking lanes have been designated on nearby roads.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is deploying over 1,800 personnel at Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the INC rally, and has also put ambulances, response vehicles and tow trucks on standby.
The Manila Police District earlier announced road closures in the surrounding grids. —REPORTS FROM DIANNE SAMPANG, GABRYELLE DUMALAG, MARY JOY SALCEDO
