Metro Manila, Philippines – The Catholic leadership slammed rumors of a coup in the Senate that could raise suspicions of a cover-up in the flood control corruption scandal investigation.
Talk of a leadership change followed remarks from Sen. Ping Lacson that he would be stepping down as chairperson of the blue ribbon committee over criticisms from majority senators supposedly dismayed at his handling of the probe.
“After the revelations of massive anomalies in flood control projects, any move to change Senate leadership or redirect investigations now would only heighten public suspicion of a cover-up,” said Cardinal Pablo David, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, on Monday, Oct. 6.
Lacson himself denied rumors of another change in Senate leadership.
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano proposed that all nationally elected officials resign to allow the conduct of snap elections – a suggestion which Senate leaders rejected.
Malacanang has also brushed aside the suggestion and called it “wishful thinking.”
“We strongly oppose any attempt to pre-empt or derail the investigation through backroom deals, leadership takeovers, or selective justice,” David said. “A nation cannot heal when its moral arteries are clogged by corruption and self-interest.”
The CBCP called on all public officials to uphold the integrity of investigation by the Senate and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).
“Let the truth flow freely. Let the ICI do its work — thoroughly, transparently, and without fear or favor,” David said.
“No to a whitewash. Yes to full accountability,” he added.
The CBCP called for a National Day of Prayer and Public Repentance on Tuesday amid what it said “continued struggles with calamities and corruption.”
