Manila: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a strong warning to the public about the potential political exploitation surrounding the ongoing flood control controversy. The CBCP expressed concerns that recent developments could be manipulated to influence political outcomes.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CBCP President, Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, emphasized the need for clarity and accountability. He urged involved parties to act with honesty, courage, and responsibility. Cardinal David called for the validation of recent allegations made by former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, suggesting that Co should return to the Philippines to substantiate his claims and file appropriate charges.
Cardinal David highlighted the importance of truth, justice, and due process, urging Co to provide verifiable evidence in a formal legal venue rather than making public declarations on social media. The CBCP believes that such claims should be examined transparently and impartially in accordance with the rule of law.
A civic-oriented group, Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), echoed the CBCP’s sentiments. In a separate statement, ABKD Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia urged Co to testify under oath instead of airing accusations on social media. Goitia emphasized that formal legal processes are essential for ensuring fairness and transparency in examining claims.
Goitia also referenced a public record contradicting Co’s claims, noting that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vetoed PHP194 billion worth of items in the 2025 national budget. He argued that a leader who vetoes nearly PHP200 billion in budget items is not someone attempting to protect questionable insertions.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon supported this view, stating that President Marcos had initiated an investigation into the flood control controversy and taken concrete actions. Dizon emphasized that the President’s actions, including forming an Independent Commission for Infrastructure, were inconsistent with Co’s allegations.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, also commented on the situation, stating that Co’s video statement lacks probative value as it was not made under oath. Lacson pointed out that the President had vetoed PHP26 billion worth of projects under the DPWH, questioning the logic of Co’s claims that the President would make insertions during the bicameral conference committee.
