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Protesters condemned the misuse of trillions of pesos in public funds, including corruption allegations in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood control projects. Equally concerning, church leaders said, is the Office of the President’s proposed 10-billion-peso Confidential Intelligence Fund—raising serious questions about transparency and accountability.
NCCP general secretary Minnie Anne Mata-Calub underscored the moral urgency of the churches’ witness. “The misuse of billions in public funds meant to protect communities from disasters is a moral failure that endangers lives and deepens poverty,” she said.
She stressed that the protests also carried historical significance. “This is a solemn reminder of the dark legacy of martial law, a time marked by repression, human rights abuses, and institutionalized greed. The wounds of the past must not be forgotten—and the sins of the present must not be ignored. By standing with the people, the NCCP reaffirms its prophetic role in society: to speak truth to power, defend the oppressed, and call for accountability.”
In its official statement, the NCCP stressed that the Filipino people’s demand for clean and accountable governance is both legitimate and urgent. “When those in power misuse their authority and exploit the law to justify corruption and suppress the people’s demands, it erodes trust in government and compels people to take extraordinary measures,” the NCCP warned.
Across the regions, NCCP member churches organized prayer rallies, released statements, and launched a signature campaign to demand justice and accountability for systemic corruption. These acts of faith and advocacy, church leaders emphasized, reflect the people’s deep yearning for transparency, good governance, and pro-people public service.
“I joined the protest as a Christian, to manifest my belief in Jesus who teaches us to love our neighbors and not stand for injustice. It is also our duty to give a voice to the oppressed, and to advocate for the truth and good governance,” said Lieza Faye Marquez of the Philippine Ecumenical Youth Movement.
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines, a member of the NCCP, called for prayerful action: “Let us pray for a change of heart for those who betrayed the public trust, and for courage to be instruments of God’s justice and peace. We are called not to be silent observers but active participants in building a nation founded on truth, justice, and love.”
The Iglesia Filipina Independiente, a member church of the NCCP, also urged faith communities, through a statement, that they should march with mass movements for accountability and good governance, framing participation in protests and prayers as a moral responsibility of the church.
The United Methodist Church – Philippine Central Conference College of Bishops likewise urged faithful engagement: “Let us lift up our prophetic voice to call for accountability, and let us not grow weary in doing good for those rendered vulnerable. We encourage participation in collective actions that embody our prophetic witness to the gospel.”
By joining the protests, the NCCP not only exposed present corruption but also honored the memory of those who resisted authoritarian rule, reaffirming its longstanding commitment to just peace and human dignity.
