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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider SVD pursues legal action over allegations against Fr. Flavie; says cash drop-off 'never occurred'

SVD pursues legal action over allegations against Fr. Flavie; says cash drop-off 'never occurred'

Published Jun 5, 2026 06:40 pm

At A Glance

  • The religious congregation said the incident described during the Senate hearing "never occurred" and pointed to what it called significant inconsistencies and factual inaccuracies in the testimony.
  • According to the congregation, no church matching the witness's description exists along Mindanao Avenue, adding that the SVD does not operate any parish, church, or ministry center in the area.
Fr. Flaviano Antonio “Flavie” Villanueva, SVD. (ARNOLD JANSSEN KALINGA FOUNDATION/FACEBOOK/CBCP)
Fr. Flaviano Antonio “Flavie” Villanueva, SVD. (ARNOLD JANSSEN KALINGA FOUNDATION/FACEBOOK/CBCP)
The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) said it has initiated legal action against individuals who accused one of its priests of receiving money allegedly linked to a flood control kickback scheme, saying the claims made during a Senate hearing were “false, malicious, and defamatory.”
In a statement issued on Friday, June 5, the religious congregation denied allegations against Fr. Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva that he received cash through an envelope delivered near a church on Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City.
“We categorically deny these allegations. They are false,” the SVD said.
“Legal action has already been initiated. We intend to hold accountable those who have chosen to bear false witness,” it added.
The accusations surfaced during a Senate investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, where purported former Marines linked Villanueva to transactions allegedly connected to the scheme.
However, the SVD said the incident described during the hearing “never occurred” and pointed to what it called significant inconsistencies and factual inaccuracies in the testimony.
According to the congregation, no church matching the witness's description exists along Mindanao Avenue, adding that the SVD does not operate any parish, church, or ministry center in the area.
The SVD also described the accusations as a serious injustice against Villanueva, who is known for his work among the urban poor and families of victims of extrajudicial killings during the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.
Villanueva was among the recipients of the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award for his ministry and advocacy anchored on truth and justice.
Meanwhile, Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. supported the congregation's position, saying there is no SVD church on Mindanao Avenue or in nearby areas.
Ayuban said the congregation's presence within the Diocese of Cubao is limited to Sacred Heart Parish-Shrine in Kamuning, Sto. Niño de Violago Quasi-Parish, and Divine Word Shrine on E. Rodriguez Avenue.
“Disinformation is the work of the devil, the father of lies,” the bishop said.
“Let us then be vigilant in seeking and speaking the truth, for falsehood is never from God. Let us work together to combat disinformation and uphold the truth with charity and responsibility,” he added.

Related Tags

SVD FR FLAVIE VILLANUEVA SENATE HEARING FLOOD CONTROL
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