Cebu prelate calls for thorough, democratic, impartial probe

Local

A LOCAL top church leader, urged the public to reject misinformation, demand accountability, and ensure that no one is shielded from investigation amid the growing flood-control corruption controversy.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto S. Uy called for a “thorough, democratic, and impartial investigation—free from political pressure. No whitewashing. No cover-ups. No protection for anyone involved. Those found guilty must face the law, and stolen funds must be returned to the people.”

In a statement on Saturday, Nov. 15, Uy warned that the controversy has generated confusion and fueled false narratives.

He urged citizens to be critical of the news they read or hear, saying misleading stories “cause anger, division, and fear,” and emphasized that violent or unlawful reactions “will only bring more suffering.”

He encouraged prayers “for truth to be revealed, for courage to guide our leaders, and for justice and peace to heal our nation.”

Co said the controversy began when Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman called him at the start of the bicameral conference (bicam) budget process in 2024, saying she had just met with Marcos and received instructions to insert P100 billion worth of projects.

She told him to confirm with Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, who reportedly confirmed the directive. Co then informed Romualdez, who allegedly said, “what the President wants, he gets.”

The statement came as former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co accused President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., former Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Cabinet officials of ordering alleged P100-billion “insertions” into the 2025 national budget.

Co also recalled a meeting with Pangandaman, Bersamin, Romualdez, and Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz at Malacañang, where Bersamin handed him a list of P100 billion in projects, saying it came directly from Marcos in a brown leather bag.

Co linked this to a 2022 Singapore trip, when Marcos reportedly insisted only the brown leather bag be taken back to the Philippines.

Malacañang denied the allegations. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez called the claims “completely without basis and fact” and “pure hearsay,” adding that Marcos had acted to expose anomalies in flood-control projects and ensure accountability.

They challenged Co, a former ally turned critic, to return to the Philippines after his accusations.

During a press briefing, Gomez, Pangandaman, and Palace press officer Claire Castro denied the allegations and distanced Marcos from the budget process.(MyTVCebu)