Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David and members of the Roundtable for Inclusive Development urged Filipinos to look beyond personalities amid growing political tension.
They encouraged the public to focus on what they described as the “deeper moral imperative of ensuring genuine accountability in public office.”
In a joint statement released on 15 November, the group warned that “the pursuit of truth must never be weaponized in ways that weaken institutions or create instability.”
They said public frustration must not be used by political actors who “seek to exploit moments of national uncertainty for their own gain.”
The signatories echoed recent guidance from Catholic and Evangelical bishops who raised concern over the “wanton plunder being perpetrated by both elected and appointed officials in government.”
They said they share the bishops’ message of caution as “selfish interests continue to tap into heightened public anger to advance political agendas that have little regard for the plight of families and communities,” particularly those affected by recent calamities.
The statement reaffirmed the group’s call for systemic reforms and urged Congress to act on long-pending measures that promote transparency, accountability, and meaningful participation.
These include the ban on political dynasties, the budget transparency act, the freedom of information act, party development reforms, and comprehensive reviews of the party list system and the Local Government Code.
The group also expressed support for the Independent Commission on Infrastructure.
They said the body, despite its limitations, has been doing “invaluable service” by gathering data, receiving testimonies, and engaging government, private, and civil society resources to help answer the public’s “burning questions: who are liable, who are responsible, and who should go to jail.”
They renewed calls for the creation of a “truly independent and credible” Independent People’s Commission that can conduct impartial inquiries “free from political interference” and asked the President to certify the measure as urgent.
The statement also demanded that former Representative Elizaldy Co return to the country and formalize his claims through a judicial affidavit so legal proceedings may move forward.
The group welcomed remarks by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner, who affirmed the military’s role in safeguarding peace, protecting the Constitution, and defending democratic institutions.
They described the armed services’ professionalism and adherence to constitutional order as essential to preserving national stability and public trust.
Cardinal David joined more than twenty leaders from the Church, business sector, academe, and civil society in signing the appeal, which frames the country’s current challenges as a call for moral clarity and collective responsibility to protect democratic institutions and strengthen public accountability.
