Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao hands over a letter of support to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo, Manila on Nov. 14, 2025. / Credit: Clergy For Good Governance
Manila, Philippines, Nov 19, 2025 / 10:30 am (CNA).
Catholic bishops urged the Philippine military to refrain from any destabilizing efforts against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. amid alleged flood control controversy involving government officials and others.
On Nov. 14, former congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co accused Marcos and his cousin and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of alleged involvement in the insertion of 100 billion pesos ($1.69 billion) in the 2025 national budget.
The presidential palace denied Co’s charges and said that Co must return to the Philippines from the United States and “sign everything he said under oath with the proper judicial authorities.”
Meanwhile, some former military officials, groups, and political parties have called for the resignation of Marcos.
In the aftermath of Co’s alleged revelations and calls for Marcos’ resignation from others, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said Co should return to the Philippines and appear before the court to clarify his allegation with 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 Filipino people deserve clarity, not conjecture; truth, not rumor; and accountability, not manipulation,” the cardinal said.
He also appealed to all to trust in the institutions tasked with safeguarding democracy.
On Nov. 15, Cardinal Jose Advincula, archbishop of Manila, called on the military “to stay faithful to your oath to the flag and our country” in a statement.
“In moments of mass gatherings and public discourse, we do not let emotion prevail over reason. 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 individuals, and certainly not to other self-serving motivations,” Advincula said.
“I urge all public servants, especially military and police, to honor their oath to the flag and our country, not to any one person. Your fidelity to the constitution is vital for the stability and integrity of our republic,” he said.
According to Advincula, the Philippines’ present challenges “demand not just pragmatic solutions but a profound spiritual response. I plead with everyone to examine our consciences, reform our lives, and live according to God’s will.”
Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao also rejected the idea of destabilizing the Marcos government.
He delivered a letter of support to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo on Nov. 14.
“We stand firmly with you in the defense of our democratic institutions and the Filipino people, especially in these challenging times for our nation. We value your steadfast commitment to preserving peace, order, and national unity in accordance with the principles of justice and democracy,” Ayuban said.
Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan, former CBCP president, said the country aspires to justice and does not need quick resolutions.
“We are bound by our Christian duty to respect the law and the established processes, even when they seem slow or flawed,” Villegas said on Nov. 16.
“Furthermore, we must stand firmly against the specter of military adventurism or any form of violence as a means to short-circuit the path to true justice. The Church teaches that peace is the fruit of justice and dialogue, not the result of unchecked ambition or force,” he added.
On Nov. 18, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will continue to support Marcos.
“We do not engage in political disputes or allegations. These matters should be resolved through appropriate legal and institutional mechanisms and not public confrontation,” AFP acting spokesperson Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said at a press briefing.
Trinidad said the AFP continues to remain professional, disciplined, and nonpartisan, especially amid calls by some groups for the military to withdraw support for Marcos.
“The AFP remains a professional, disciplined, and nonpartisan institution committed to upholding the constitution, constitutional processes, and safeguarding the nation’s peace and security,” Trinidad said.
