Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David on Sunday urged Catholics to continue their pursuit for transparency and accountability across the nation amid the ongoing massive corruption happening in the country.

 

“It is a work in progress. That is why we are here — to complete the EDSA revolution, a peaceful revolution. We know change does not happen overnight,” David said during a speech at the “Trillion Peso March” at the Edsa People Power Monument in Quezon City, also encouraging Filipinos to continue the unfinished work of the Edsa People Power revolution, calling for genuine political reforms and ending political dynasties.

He said the country’s democratic system, though imperfect, is better than none and must be strengthened through citizen vigilance, legal reforms, and public participation in governance.

Moreover, the outgoing president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines cited political dynasties as one of the “most malignant forms of cancer” in the country and urged lawmakers to pass reforms to curb their influence.

“Democracy cannot function fully until these tumors, especially political dynasties, are removed. It will take a sort of chemotherapy to eliminate these cancer cells before they metastasize,” David said.

Challenging Marcos Jr.

The cardinal also addressed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., criticizing mismanaged national budgets and urging accountability without exemptions.

He challenged Marcos to ensure transparent investigations, uphold the rule of law, and complete infrastructure projects that deliver real benefits.

“Do your work,” David said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. “Show us you will pursue corrupt officials impartially, wherever the trail of evidence may lead.”

Church-backed gatherings were held in dioceses nationwide, with some holding prayer rallies the day before.

David said the Metro Manila rally is part of a broader effort to uphold the enduring spirit of EDSA and resist attempts to weaken democratic gains.

He stressed that the rally also signals the Church’s rejection of “quick fixes.” “We do not need to burn down the whole house because we want to catch and hold accountable the cockroaches and rats of our society,” he added.

“How can we make the guilty pay when we are starting again from nothing?” he asked.

Won’t be distracted

 

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office chief, Secretary Dave Gomez maintained that

Marcos Jr. will not be "distracted" by any calls to step down or resign amid growing calls for him to resign, along with Vice President Sara Duterte.

 “He will finish the job — the job that he began. If you remember, it was the President himself who blew the whistle on these flood control anomalies in his ‘mahiya naman kayo’ SONA. He is not blinking, and he will see this through. He will finish this, and as he just said, I started this, so I will finish this,” said Gomez during a television interview.

The PCO chief said the entire administration has been monitoring the demonstrations, stating they respect their right to peacefully assemble and express anger.

“We feel you, we hear you and we will not disappoint you. Tandaan lang natin, kailangan nating obserbahan ang due process sa lahat nang ito. Bago magpasko mas marami pa ang makukulong kasama na diyan yung mga tinatawag nilang big fish. Ang importante lang talaga eh mapatibay ‘yung ating mga ebidensya sa ating case build up para this time around, walang makakalusot sa mga nagnakaw sa bayan. Sisiguraduhin nating mananagot sila at mababawi natin ang kanilang mga ninakaw,” Gomez said. 

Last 21 November, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended the filing of possible crimes of plunder, violation of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act, and direct bribery to the Office of the Ombudsman against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and resigned Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co.

On that same day, President Marcos Jr., in a video message, said the Ombudsman will now take over the investigation based on the evidence collected by the two bodies.

To date, Dizon said that 67 individuals were forwarded to the Ombudsman for them to file complaints, not including the individuals forwarded on 21 November.

They have also submitted 10 cases at the Philippine Competition for bid rigging, allowing them to recover P250 million per case from the contractors that they submitted; revocation of licenses of 25 engineers, accountants, among others, who are involved in the flood control case, and requested 33 lookout bulletins, which eventually can lead to hold departure orders.