Diocese disavows ‘Romano Catolicos’ over unauthorized solicitations

The Diocese of Dumaguete has issued a formal warning advising Roman Catholic parishioners in Negros Oriental against confusing the Catholic Church with an independent religious group soliciting funds across the province.

In a circular issued 6 October 2026, Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes clarified that the entity operating under the name “Romano Catolicos,” also registered as Simbahang Catolico Pilipino Inc., holds no affiliation with the Roman Catholic Church.

Cortes released the directive following reports that representatives from the group were carrying out public financial solicitations within the diocese’s jurisdiction.

“Let us remain steadfast in communion with the one Church of Christ, and let our generosity be marked by discernment as well as compassion,” Cortes said in the statement.

The prelate instructed parishioners to report any solicitation activities by the group to local parish priests or the diocesan chancery, along with copies of any documentation presented by the solicitors.

Verification efforts by the diocese traced the group’s registered address to New Bataan, Davao de Oro. Cortes subsequently consulted ecclesiastical authorities in the region regarding the organization’s canonical standing.