As corruption allegations continue to hound the government and the 2025 national budget comes under scrutiny, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has called on Filipinos to seek truth and exercise discernment amid competing claims and mounting controversy.
In a statement, Uy urged authorities to ensure a fair and impartial investigation, free from political interference.
He said no one should be spared from scrutiny, that those found liable must face the law, and that any misused public funds should be returned to the people.
“No cover-ups. No protection for anyone involved. Those found guilty must face the law, and stolen funds must be returned to the people,” he said.
Uy also underscored the need to strengthen government systems and safeguards to prevent future abuses.
He warned that conflicting claims over alleged irregularities in flood-control projects have sown confusion and enabled false narratives to spread, further inflaming anger and fear.
The prelate urged citizens to critically examine the information they consume and to reject any calls for violence or unlawful acts, saying such responses would only deepen the country’s wounds.
He appealed to the faithful to pray for the revelation of truth, courage among leaders, and for justice and peace to heal the nation.
Uy’s remarks came in the wake of allegations by former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co, who accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and several Cabinet officials of inserting P100 billion worth of projects into the 2025 national budget.
Co claimed Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman instructed him to handle the projects and to coordinate with Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, who allegedly confirmed the directive. He also recalled a meeting in Malacañang where Bersamin purportedly handed him a list of projects in a brown leather bag said to have come directly from Marcos.
Malacañang has denied the accusations. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez called Co’s claims “completely without basis and fact” and “pure hearsay,” saying Marcos had moved to expose anomalies and ensure accountability.
Gomez, Pangandaman and Palace press officer Claire Castro have challenged Co to return to the Philippines and maintained that the President was not involved in the budget process.
Cebu Business News
Leave a Reply