The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Saturday, Nov. 15, called for sobriety and a balanced public response amid circulating accusations and political noise, stressing that truth and due process, not speculation, must guide the nation.

In a statement, the CBCP said “public declarations on social media, however alarming, cannot take the place of formal testimony in the appropriate legal venues.” It urged parties involved in the allegations raised by resigned party-list representative Zaldy Co to bring their claims before proper authorities and back them with verifiable evidence.

“If his accusations are indeed credible and substantial, we urge him to return to the country and file his charges before the proper authorities, under oath, and supported by verifiable evidence,” the statement signed by CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David said.

The bishops underscored that unverified claims, especially when amplified online, can mislead the public and inflame tensions, noting that for the good of the country, “such claims must be examined transparently, impartially, and in accordance with the rule of law.”

Amid heightened public discourse, the CBCP cautioned against efforts to weaponize the issue for political gain.

“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,” it said.

Reiterating the need to resist misinformation and manipulation, the CBCP stressed that “the Filipino people deserve clarity, not conjecture; truth, not rumor; accountability, not manipulation.”

The bishops appealed to all parties to act responsibly, saying every step taken should strengthen, not weaken, public trust in democratic institutions.

“May every step taken in this matter serve the cause of justice and strengthen—rather than erode—our people’s trust in the institutions tasked with safeguarding our democracy,” the CBCP added.

On Friday, Nov. 14, Co posted a Facebook video accusing President Marcos of ordering the insertion of P100 billion worth of projects into the 2025 national budget during last year’s bicameral conference committee.

Also, he claimed that resigned House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin had “direct knowledge” of the alleged insertions.

Malacañang, on the same day, brushed aside Co’s allegations as “wild accusations,” saying he should return to the country and prove them before the appropriate agencies.

In a briefing, PCO Secretary Dave Gomez said Co’s charges—issued from abroad—“have no basis in fact” and contradict the administration’s push to expose and address irregularities in flood-control projects.