Manila: A group of Church leaders on Monday expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the previous day’s mass demonstrations against corruption, calling it a “miracle” that must be “nurtured.”

According to Philippines News Agency, Church Leaders Council for National Transformation lead convenor Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo stated that the rallies “kindle a moral fire in our hearts to eradicate corruption once and for all.” He urged that this “miracle” be nurtured until their demands are fully realized, emphasizing that the battle against corruption shall continue.

On Sunday, tens of thousands of people from various sectors of society gathered in different parts of the country, notably at the People Power Monument in Quezon City and Rizal Park in Manila, to protest against government corruption, particularly in light of issues surrounding anomalous flood control projects. Bagaforo expressed gratitude to the participants for standing in pursuit of the common good.

Meanwhile, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, opposed the call by TV host/comedian Vice Ganda to reinstate the death penalty for corrupt officials. In a social media post, David reiterated the Catholic Church’s stance against capital punishment, advocating for deeper justice reform that protects the poor and holds the powerful accountable.

In related news, San Pascual Baylon Parish in Bulacan announced its decision to return a vehicle donated by a dismissed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) official, Henry Alcantara, implicated in irregularities in flood control projects. The parish stated it accepted the vehicle in ‘good faith’ to aid pilgrimages, but is now taking steps to return it properly, in alignment with the Diocese of Malolos and the CBCP’s guidance.

The parish apologized for any concerns the donation might have caused, emphasizing that the move reflects the Church’s commitment to justice and integrity. Alcantara has been dismissed from service amid the ongoing investigation into the flood control project anomalies.