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BARUG Layko, Davao City (2026)

30/06/2026

"As an independent movement of lay faithful committed to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and to the promotion of good governance, BARUG-Layko calls upon conscientious Catholics, fellow Christian faithfuls, members of other faith communities, and all peoples of goodwill, to join these peaceful gatherings in a spirit of prayer, vigilance, fraternity and synodality, and civic responsibility, beyond religious congregations and denominations."

-- BARUG Layko
Bayanihang Layko for Accountability, Reform, and Upright Governance
30 June 2026

30/06/2026

STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY
In Support of the Peaceful Multi-Sectoral People's Convergence
for Truth, Justice, Accountability, and Peace
================================================

The Bayanihang Layko for Accountability, Reform, and Upright Governance (BARUG-Layko) unequivocally expresses its solidarity with and full support to the ongoing peaceful multi-sectoral people's convergence, initiated by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), now taking place at the People Power Monument along EDSA and White Plains, as well as at the Liwasang Bonifacio.

We recognize these peaceful convergence as legitimate expressions of the people’s constitutional freedom to democratic participation and responsible citizenship. We likewise affirm the constitutional right of every Filipino to peacefully assemble, to seek redress of grievances, and to call upon public officials to remain faithful to their sworn duty of serving the people with integrity and justice.

As an independent movement of lay faithful committed to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and to the promotion of good governance, BARUG-Layko calls upon conscientious Catholics, fellow Christian faithfuls, members of other faith communities, and all peoples of goodwill, to join these peaceful gatherings in a spirit of prayer, vigilance, fraternity and synodality, and civic responsibility, beyond religious congregations and denominations.

Our support and participation is anchored on the following shared tenets:

• The Right to Peaceful Assembly. Our gathering is not one of hatred or violence but of peace, prayer, hope, and solidarity. We reject every form of violence, provocation, and disorder, and encourage discipline, respect, charity, and love of country among all participants.

• Fidelity to the Constitution and the Rule of Law. BARUG-Layko firmly advocates that the law must be enforced fairly and without fear or favor. Every person, regardless of status or political affiliation, must be accountable before the law.

• Opposition to Distortion and Weaponization of the Law. The rule of law loses its moral authority when laws are bent and selectively interpreted or applied to serve partisan interests, silence dissent, intimidate critics, or shield the powerful from accountability. Justice must never become an instrument of political retaliation. Do not bend the law.

• Uncompromising Commitment to Truth and Accountabilty, Condemnation of Cover-ups. Corruption remains among the gravest betrayals of public trust. Every allegation involving the misuse of public funds must be investigated impartially, thoroughly, and transparently. Those responsible must be held accountable through due process. Equally, every person accused of wrongdoing deserves the full protection of due process and the presumption of innocence.

BARUG Layko likewise expresses concern over questions being raised by many sectors regarding the syndicated efforts to silence those who actively take prominent roles in legislative inquiries into alleged large-scale anomalies involving public funds. These concerns deserve clear, transparent, and credible answers from the proper authorities to preserve public confidence in the administration of justice.

BARUG-Layko therefore renews its call for:
• Transparency in the investigation and prosecution of all public officials found guilty.
• Accountability for every act of corruption, regardless of political affiliation or influence.
• Justice that is impartial, consistent, and faithful to the Constitution and the rule of law.
• Peace founded upon truth, fairness, and respect for the dignity of every person.

In solidarity with other faith communities, civil society organizations, and countless Filipinos who long for honest governance, BARUG-Layko reiterates a simple but profound principle: justice must never be selective, and the law must never be weaponized. Selective justice is, in itself, a grave injustice because it erodes public trust, weakens democratic institutions, and mocks the constitutional promise of equal protection under the law.

And, in view of the profound erosion of public confidence, the persistent questions surrounding incompetence in governance, and the urgent need to restore moral credibility to the highest office of the land, BARUG-Layko joins those peacefully calling “MARCOS RESIGN” – for Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to heed the voice of the people and to relinquish the presidency for the good of the nation – as he has lost the moral authority and public trust necessary to govern effectively. We make this call not out of malice, but out of our conviction that public office exists solely for the service of the people and that authentic leadership ultimately rests upon truth, accountability, and the common good.

Finally, BARUG-Layko appeals to all Catholic faithfuls, peoples of goodwill, and every Filipino who cherishes truth, justice, and accountability: LET US STAND TOGETHER PEACEFULLY, COURAGEOUSLY, AND PRAYERFULLY. Let our prayers be matched by courageous witness: let our love for country be translated into principled civic action; and let our collective voice proclaim that accountability is indispensable to good governance, and that the rule of law must never be sacrificed for political expediency.

May our solidarity and peaceful collective action become a powerful prophetic witness that Truth, Accountability, Justice, and Peace remain the enduring foundations of a free, moral, and democratic nation.

#30

Released: 30 June 2026, Memorial of the First Martyrs of Holy Roman Church

25/05/2026

A CALL FOR AUTHENTIC WITNESSING AMONG OUR SHEPHERDS
=================================

On this Solemnity of Pentecost, when the Church commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the birth of the Church as a communion of truth, charity, courage, and unity, we, the members and partners of the Bayanihang Layko for Accountability, Reform, and Upright Governance (BARUG-Layko), express our profound concern and deep spiritual disturbance over the recent public actuations and pronouncements of several bishops, priests, and known church personalities.

As an independent and non-partisan movement of lay faithful committed to truth, accountability, reform, and upright governance, we find ourselves gravely scandalized by what appears to be an increasingly politicized, biased, divisive, and emotionally charged pattern of recent public engagement from certain bishops and members of the clergy.

At a time when the nation desperately needs sobriety, fairness, prudence, and unity, several shepherds of the Church appear to have immersed themselves in the toxic “battle of narratives” dominating the political arena — sounding less like instruments of discernment and reconciliation, and more like partisan actors actively shaping political outcomes – now appearing singularly preoccupied with destroying the current Senate majority and discrediting every senator not aligned with their preferred political position.

Instead of fostering reasoned discourse, what we increasingly witness are relentless ad hominem attacks, insinuations, selective indignation, and the public amplification of every conceivable accusation aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the present Senate leadership and majority. The unmistakable objective appears to be the weakening, disqualification, or eventual removal of non-aligned senators in order to pave the way for the restoration of a Senate leadership more acceptable to their political preferences.

This disturbing tendency has likewise manifested in the manner several bishops and priests dismissed the recent tensions and fears arising from the reported siege and unrest within the Senate premises. Rather than becoming exemplars of empathy, pastoral care, and understanding, some openly ridiculed and trivialized the fears expressed by those present in the scene, dismissing these as mere “drama” or theatrics. Such reactions are deeply troubling. The vocation of a shepherd is not to mock fear, but to accompany people in moments of fear — regardless of political color or affiliation.

We are likewise disturbed by the growing tendency among several church leaders and commentators to prejudge the outcome of the impending impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Even before the formal presentation and appreciation of evidence, declarations implying “guilt” and inevitable “conviction” have already saturated public discourse.

Such pronouncements risk conditioning the minds of the public and undermining confidence in due process and institutional fairness. More troubling is the implication that any verdict short of conviction would automatically be deemed unacceptable or illegitimate by these sectors, regardless of the merits of the case or the integrity of the proceedings.

Further, the voices of certain shepherds today appear to be merging with the noise of partisan influencers, self-proclaimed experts, political propagandists, and ideological blocs engaged in a relentless struggle to dominate public perception. Several members of the clergy now appear either actively participating in — or even orchestrating — this chorus of division, hostility, and selective outrage.

In this climate, moral authority risks being weaponized not for evangelization, but for political narrative-building. This atmosphere fosters polarization rather than justice.

As lay faithful, we ask with sincerity and humility: Is this truly the spirit of Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles not to create factions, inflame hatred, or deepen political tribalism, but to transform fearful men into witnesses of truth, justice, charity, unity, and reconciliation. The Church must remain a cradle of communion, not a factory of division. On this note, we acknowledge and commend a few of our shepherds who consistently herald and live as exemplars and witnesses to these virtues.

Thus, we respectfully call upon our bishops, priests, and church leaders to exercise greater prudence, fairness, restraint, and pastoral discernment in their public pronouncements.

Prophetic witnessing must never degenerate into partisan aggression. Moral courage must never become selective outrage. And righteous indignation must never eclipse charity, humility, and fairness.

We urge our shepherds to become more:
*instruments of understanding rather than confusion;
*agents of reconciliation rather than division;
*voices of clarity and charity rather than political arrogance;
*witnesses of justice tempered by humility and compassion.

As lay faithful emboldened by the Spirit of Pentecost, we in BARUG-Layko believe that truth must be spoken with courage — but always in charity, fairness, and fidelity to authentic Christian witness. Our response must never be hatred for hatred, nor noise for noise.

Instead, we pray that the Holy Spirit may enlighten and guide all our shepherds, our clerics, and all of us in our prophetic mission — that we may remain vigilant against the temptation of selective judgment, political favoritism, self-righteousness, and ideological captivity.

May our shepherds once more become visible signs not of political camps, but of Christ Himself — who came not to divide, but to gather His people into truth, justice, mercy, and peace.

May the Spirit of Pentecost renew all of us as Church in humility, wisdom, fairness, and authentic charity. #30

-------------------
Released: 24 May 2026, Solemnity of Pentecost

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24/05/2026

A CALL FOR AUTHENTIC WITNESSING AMONG OUR SHEPHERDS
=================================

On this Solemnity of Pentecost, when the Church commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the birth of the Church as a communion of truth, charity, courage, and unity, we, the members and partners of the Bayanihang Layko for Accountability, Reform, and Upright Governance (BARUG-Layko), express our profound concern and deep spiritual disturbance over the recent public actuations and pronouncements of several bishops, priests, and known church personalities.

As an independent and non-partisan movement of lay faithful committed to truth, accountability, reform, and upright governance, we find ourselves gravely scandalized by what appears to be an increasingly politicized, biased, divisive, and emotionally charged pattern of recent public engagement from certain bishops and members of the clergy.

At a time when the nation desperately needs sobriety, fairness, prudence, and unity, several shepherds of the Church appear to have immersed themselves in the toxic “battle of narratives” dominating the political arena — sounding less like instruments of discernment and reconciliation, and more like partisan actors actively shaping political outcomes – now appearing singularly preoccupied with destroying the current Senate majority and discrediting every senator not aligned with their preferred political position.

Instead of fostering reasoned discourse, what we increasingly witness are relentless ad hominem attacks, insinuations, selective indignation, and the public amplification of every conceivable accusation aimed at undermining the legitimacy of the present Senate leadership and majority. The unmistakable objective appears to be the weakening, disqualification, or eventual removal of non-aligned senators in order to pave the way for the restoration of a Senate leadership more acceptable to their political preferences.

This disturbing tendency has likewise manifested in the manner several bishops and priests dismissed the recent tensions and fears arising from the reported siege and unrest within the Senate premises. Rather than becoming exemplars of empathy, pastoral care, and understanding, some openly ridiculed and trivialized the fears expressed by those present in the scene, dismissing these as mere “drama” or theatrics. Such reactions are deeply troubling. The vocation of a shepherd is not to mock fear, but to accompany people in moments of fear — regardless of political color or affiliation

We are likewise disturbed by the growing tendency among several church leaders and commentators to prejudge the outcome of the impending impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Even before the formal presentation and appreciation of evidence, declarations implying “guilt” and inevitable “conviction” have already saturated public discourse.

Such pronouncements risk conditioning the minds of the public and undermining confidence in due process and institutional fairness. More troubling is the implication that any verdict short of conviction would automatically be deemed unacceptable or illegitimate by these sectors, regardless of the merits of the case or the integrity of the proceedings.

Further, the voices of certain shepherds today appear to be merging with the noise of partisan influencers, self-proclaimed experts, political propagandists, and ideological blocs engaged in a relentless struggle to dominate public perception. Several members of the clergy now appear either actively participating in — or even orchestrating — this chorus of division, hostility, and selective outrage.

In this climate, moral authority risks being weaponized not for evangelization, but for political narrative-building. This atmosphere fosters polarization rather than justice.

As lay faithful, we ask with sincerity and humility: Is this truly the spirit of Pentecost?

The Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles not to create factions, inflame hatred, or deepen political tribalism, but to transform fearful men into witnesses of truth, justice, charity, unity, and reconciliation. The Church must remain a cradle of communion, not a factory of division. On this note, we acknowledge and commend a few of our shepherds who consistently herald and live as exemplars and witnesses to these virtues.

Thus, we respectfully call upon our bishops, priests, and church leaders to exercise greater prudence, fairness, restraint, and pastoral discernment in their public pronouncements. Prophetic witnessing must never degenerate into partisan aggression. Moral courage must never become selective outrage. And righteous indignation must never eclipse charity, humility, and fairness.

We urge our shepherds to become more:
instruments of understanding rather than confusion;
agents of reconciliation rather than division;
voices of clarity and charity rather than political arrogance;
witnesses of justice tempered by humility and compassion.

As lay faithful emboldened by the Spirit of Pentecost, we in BARUG-Layko believe that truth must be spoken with courage — but always in charity, fairness, and fidelity to authentic Christian witness. Our response must never be hatred for hatred, nor noise for noise.

Instead, we pray that the Holy Spirit may enlighten and guide all our shepherds, our clerics, and all of us in our prophetic mission — that we may remain vigilant against the temptation of selective judgment, political favoritism, self-righteousness, and ideological captivity.

May our shepherds once more become visible signs not of political camps, but of Christ Himself — who came not to divide, but to gather His people into truth, justice, mercy, and peace.

May the Spirit of Pentecost renew all of us as Church in humility, wisdom, fairness, and authentic charity. #30

-------------------
Released: 24 May 2026, Solemnity of Pentecost

16/05/2026

STATEMENT OF CONCERN and
APPEAL FOR PRUDENCE, CHARITY, and NATIONAL UNITY
==================================================

We, the members and partners of the Bayanihang Layko for Accountability, Reform, and Upright Governance (BARUG-Layko), an independent and non-partisan movement of lay faithful committed to truth, accountability, reform, and upright governance, express our grave concern and deep disappointment over the recent public statements issued separately by Archbishop Socrates Villegas and by Fr. Robert Reyes – both concerning the recent change in leadership in the Philippine Senate.

As lay Catholics striving to preserve both democratic institutions and ecclesial communion, we find the Archbishop’s assertions, shared by some members of the clergy, highly politically charged, deeply biased, and scandalizing to many faithful who hold differing views on current national issues. The sweeping language used — describing the Senate leadership transition as “devious,” “obscene,” and a “brazen exercise of power”, and shaming the new majority as “Hudas” — dangerously imply that those who disagree with their political stance are morally corrupt or evil.

We find such rhetoric as hurtful speech, sweeping generalization, deepening polarization among Filipinos, and unbecoming of the pastoral restraint expected from shepherds of the Church. Rather than fostering understanding and dialogue, statements framed in such emotionally charged language risk inflaming division and hostility at a time when the nation is already burdened by profound political and social tensions.

We are particularly saddened by the choice of hurting and contemptuous words employed by these men of the cloth. At a time when the Church continually calls for synodality, dialogue, listening, and communion, statements that intensify political polarization and demonize opposing positions undermine the very spirit of unity that the faithful are being encouraged to cultivate. The Church must remain a sanctuary of reconciliation and discernment, not a platform for inflammatory political pronouncements.

Furthermore, by characterizing the recent Senate leadership change as a “shameless exercise of political power,” the Archbishop effectively suggests that only his preferred political configuration is legitimate, while any other lawful and constitutional arrangement is “obscene.” Such a position, whether intended or not, trivializes the democratic process and disregards the constitutional prerogatives exercised by elected public officials within a co-equal branch of government.

Likewise, we cannot ignore the glaring disparity between the Archbishop’s and Fr. Reyes’ vocal outrage on selected political matters and their silence regarding far more scandalous allegations of corruption involving the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. — including controversies surrounding anomalous budget insertions, the transfer of funds originally intended for healthcare, education, social welfare, official development assistance projects, and deposit insurance into unprogrammed appropriations now linked to questionable flood-control and ghost infrastructure projects, as well as the President’s fitness to lead the country vis-à-vis lingering allegations of his addiction to co***ne fueled by his continuous refusal to undergo a hair follicle drug test. The faithful deserve moral consistency, not selective outrage.

As lay people who continue to love and defend the Church, we expect and respectfully remind our shepherds and members of the clergy of their sacred duty to exercise prudence, fairness, humility, and charity in their public pronouncements. The clergy are called not merely to speak prophetically, but also to discern wisely and to remain anchored on the language of pastoral care – ensuring that their words are fair and unbiased, heal rather than wound, clarify rather than confuse, reconcile rather than divide – not rhetoric that can be perceived as contemptuous, inflammatory, or dismissive of those holding different convictions.

The Church must become more visibly an instrument of understanding than condemnation, of reconciliation than factionalism, of communion rather than polarization, of clarity and charity rather than political arrogance clothed in ecclesiastical authority.

Finally, we offer our sincere prayers for all our bishops, priests, religious leaders, and to all of us faithfuls — including Archbishop Socrates Villegas and Fr. Reyes — that the Holy Spirit may continually guide all of us in our prophetic witnessing. May we remain vigilant against the temptation of selective judgment and partisan indignation, and may all of us always speak with the balance, humility, and compassion worthy of authentic servants of Christ and His Church.

May truth always be pursued with justice, and justice always tempered by charity. #30

Released: 16 May 2026 (Saturday before the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord)

10/05/2026

A Call to Fairness, to Truth, to Justice, and
an Appeal to Conscience
(On the Call for Transparency, Accountability, and Fidelity to Truth in the
Impeachment Proceedings Against Vice-President Sara Duterte)

The Bayanihang Layko for Accountability, Reform, and Upright Governance (BARUG-Layko) affirms, without reservation, the enduring principles of transparency, accountability, justice, and fidelity to truth in public service. These are moral imperatives rooted not only in democratic governance but also in the social teachings of the Church and in the Gospel’s call to righteousness and integrity.

For this reason, we recognize the right of every institution, including religious leaders, to call for accountability from public officials. No one in government must be beyond scrutiny under the rule of law.

However, with equal sincerity, we express profound concern over the statement issued by Bishop Colin P. Bagaforo on behalf of the InterReligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation urging that the impeachment process against Sara Duterte proceed in the name of accountability and truth –
• We respectfully ask: Where has this same level of moral urgency and prophetic indignation been amid the far graver controversies hounding the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.?

• Where were the loud calls for transparency and accountability amid allegations involving trillions of pesos lost to anomalous flood-control projects, the reported disposition and depletion of the nation’s gold bullion reserves, the controversial transfer of public welfare funds from PhilHealth, PDIC, and education allocations into unprogrammed appropriations later linked to questionable and allegedly ghost projects?

• Why is there passionate insistence on the impeachment of the Vice-President while deafening silence prevails regarding allegations of far more massive corruption involving the sitting President, alongside serious public accusations concerning alleged co***ne addiction and abuse of power?

We likewise find troubling the apparent silence of certain camps regarding the conduct of the House Justice Committee during proceedings related to the impeachment complaints against Vice-President Duterte. Serious questions have been raised by legal observers and ordinary citizens alike concerning fairness, due process, procedural integrity, political pressure, and the manner by which determinations of sufficiency in form, substance, and probable cause were undertaken.

If accountability is to be credible, it must never appear selective. If transparency is to be moral, it cannot be partisan. If fidelity to truth is to inspire the people, it must be applied equally to allies and opponents alike.

The Church and religious leaders possess moral influence precisely because they are expected to stand above political factions. But when zeal appears disproportionately directed toward one political figure while remaining muted toward others accused of even greater wrongdoing, many among the faithful understandably begin to question whether moral ascendancy is slowly being eroded by perceptions of partisanship and selective indignation.

We therefore respectfully call upon our bishops, clergy, and all religious leaders to exercise fairness, balance, and equal courage in speaking truth to power — regardless of political affiliation, family name, or ideological alignment. The Filipino people deserve shepherds whose moral voice is consistent, impartial, and fearless.

At this critical moment, we likewise call upon patriotic Filipinos to prayerfully and vigilantly remind their representatives in Congress to listen not merely to political operators, vested interests, or the lure of “maletas,” but to their conscience, to truth, to justice, and to the genuine will of the people they were elected to serve.

We urge the members of the House of Representatives to resist alleged pressures, coercion, blackmail, and the reported manipulation or withholding of public fund allocations intended to secure political support for the impeachment. Public office is a sacred trust, not a commodity to be traded for political favor or survival.

As they decide whether or not to endorse the impeachment complaint to the Senate, may they remember that more than thirty-two million Filipinos gave their mandate to Vice-President Duterte. Whether one agrees or disagrees with her politics, the sovereign voice of millions of citizens deserves respect and careful consideration under the Constitution and the rule of law.

Finally, as we approach the great feast of Pentecost, we pray that the Holy Spirit — the Advocate and Spirit of Truth — may touch the hearts and consciences of all those involved in these difficult national issues: our religious leaders, our legislators, our public officials, and our people.

May the Holy Spirit specially embolden our bishops as leaders of the Church to be truly shepherds of the flock, prophetically guiding the people in seeking truth and justice, and not speak with selective judgment. May the Spirit grant all of us the courage to listen to conscience over convenience, to truth over propaganda, to justice over political expediency, and to the voice of the people over the demands of power.

May God save the Philippines and guide our nation in the paths of truth, justice, unity, and peace.

#30

------------------------------
Released: 10 May 2026, Sixth Sunday of Easter

15/04/2026

How Shall Our Shepherds Herald Its Unified Prophetic Voice?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Prophetic Appeal to the Bishops of the Philippines and a Call to National Accountability
=============================================

BARUG Layko (Bayanihang Layko for Accountability, Reform, and Upright Governance), a non-partisan movement of lay faithful, stands in solidarity with the Christian world in proclaiming the Easter message: “The Lord is Risen.” Yet, we humbly recognize that the Easter joy of many Filipinos remains incomplete, as our people continue to carry the cross of hardship — amid troubling allegations of unprecedented systemic corruption scandals, political distractions over impeachment, global instability worsened by conflict in the Middle East – looking up to their shepherds for clear guidance with timely conviction and grounding on the Gospel.

Guided by the Gospel and the social teachings of the Church, we, in BARUG Layko, speak at this critical moment, not in accusations but in hope – with urgency and moral concern, in the spirit of communion, and with deep trust in the pastoral mission of our bishops.

In times past, during national crisis, our bishops stood as steadfast beacon of light – guiding the faithful with moral clarity, courage, and prophetic voice. They reminded the flock, time and again, of truth, justice, and the inviolable dignity of every Filipino.

As we find ourselves once more at this critical crossroads, we turn once again to seek the wisdom of our shepherds and, with filial respect, bring forward questions that weigh heavily on the hearts of many of the faithful:
• In a time when truth is urgently sought, how might our prelates best help illuminate the path toward clarity and accountability?
• In the face of sworn testimonies by 18 former soldiers and other whistleblowers — who risked their lives to expose the alleged delivery of vast sums of illicit cash to the highest officials of the land — how can our bishops accompany the people in discerning the truth with wisdom and courage and accord the faithful moral direction in a clear, united, and urgent moral response?
• When these testimonies corroborate earlier exposés and point to a possible betrayal of public trust, how can our shepherds offer its moral authority and guidance in a way that upholds the imperative of stewardship and the promotion of the common good?
• How shall our bishops herald its prophetic voice in standing against these injustices and corruption that deepen the sufferings of the poor?

We prayerfully reflect:
• How can our shepherds continue to give the faithful spiritual counsel in addressing serious moral questions that have arisen regarding the integrity, competence, the state of health and fitness for office of the President — amid rumors of his illness, accusations of his personal misconduct, especially serious allegations of drug abuse, his signing of controversial national budgets marred by questionable insertions, and the diversion of funds from healthcare, education, and other essential services toward dubious and even “ghost” projects?
• If resources meant for the poor are misused, how might the Church more visibly and clearly demand pastoral correction, and courageously uphold its teachings on the preferential option for the poor and the primacy of the common good?
• What words of encouragement and moral clarity can our shepherds offer to those who have come forward in conscience, and to the many Filipinos who seek reassurance that truth and justice remain at the heart of our national life?

Dear bishops, we ask these questions not to challenge, but to journey together. We recognize that discernment requires prudence. Yet, we believe that moments such as this call the Church to renew its prophetic mission — one that is always rooted in charity, truth, and the unity of God’s people.

In this spirit, we humbly implore:
• May our bishops rise as one body and champion non-selective justice through a serious, impartial, and no-nonsense investigation into these grave corruption allegations, especially the expose of the 18 former soldiers? May our prelates also firmly ensure that whistleblowers are protected and supported, never left alone, silenced, or threatened by the powerful?
• Shall our shepherds call on our national leaders to set aside political maneuvering — call on our institutions to pursue truth without fear or favor, pursue accountability with integrity, and focus on the urgent needs of the people especially as global crises continue to strain Filipino families?

Dear bishops, we make this appeal in the spirit of synodality – walking together and listening to one another, as your flock looks to you for courage, clarity, and moral leadership.

“Ipanawagan nawa na litisin ang lahat—mula itaas hanggang ibaba—hindi dahil sa galit, kundi dahil sa pananagutan, katarungan, at pagmamahal sa bayan.”

We earnestly pray that the Risen Lord continue to guide you, our dear shepherds, to endure leading the flock boldly with wisdom and with prophetic courage as faithful shepherds of truth – so that this Easter season would truly become a time of renewal, truth, and hope for a Philippines where genuine reform may finally take root and flourish.

BARUG Layko

30/06/2026

30/06/2026

25/05/2026

24/05/2026

16/05/2026

10/05/2026

15/04/2026

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