(NCCP Statement on the 53rd Martial Law Imposition Anniversary)
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1, ESV
In 1972, former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. declared martial law under the pretext that social unrest caused by crisis and corruption was fueling the growth of the Communist movement in the Philippines. Fifty-three years later, his son, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is grappling with similar allegations of corruption, particularly exposed through anomalous flood control projects. Again, the Palace, through its spokesperson and its National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), echoes the same rhetoric that rebel groups are exploiting the issue to stir public discontent to recruit and expand membership. This recurring and troubling narrative raises significant concerns about how the government intends to divert, condition and evade the public’s demand for transparency and true accountability.
The corruption exposed in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) flood control projects is just one among many issues requiring immediate investigation. Equally concerning is the Office of the President’s propose allocation of another 10-billion-peso Confidential Intelligence Fund (CIF), which bears troubling similarities to past pork barrel schemes and raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.
While the Senate and Congress are battling with each other over the spoils of the flood control projects, it is hypocritical for President Marcos, Jr. to present himself as clean when most of his people, relatives, party members, allies, and friends are the architects and implementers of the controversial government budget, and as such, systemic corruption cannot persist without his approval – a glaring reminiscence of his father’s widespread cronyism during Martial Law days.
We stand that the public’s call for good governance is a legitimate and justified demand. A battle slogan used by many politicians to secure authority and position, yet when authorities misuse their power and exploit the law to justify corruption and suppress the people’s demands, this erodes trust in government and pushes people to take independent and extraordinary measures.
Thus, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines is challenging the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice-President, and their political allies to fully disclose their budgets for public scrutiny and transparency and stop hiding under the cover of parliamentary courtesy. Abolish the Confidential Intelligence Fund, released all Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and waive the right to the bank secrecy law.
The NCCP calls on the government to uphold democratic rights and guarantee freedom of expression and assembly. It must end the practice of red-tagging and baseless insinuations, which are used as convenient excuses to evade public demands for accountability and justice. Instead, the government should dedicate its full resources and mechanisms to securing the return of stolen wealth, hold the corrupt accountable, and ensure the prosecution of thieves.
We enjoin our member churches and all Filipino people who share the same vision of a clean government, free of corruption and delivers pro-people services. Let us continue praying and closely monitor the progress of the investigation on corruption. Let us stand united, join, and support collective actions that urge the government to act in the interest and welfare of the people.
As we remember the dark history of martial law, we recognize and honor the courage and sacrifices of those who stood up against the regime of dictatorship and tyranny. Let the powerful lessons from the past continue to inspire and guide us towards a better life for all.
United and as one voice, we declare, ‘Never again, never again to martial law!’
Signed:
20 September 2025
(Sgd.) The Most. Rev. Brent Harry W. Alawas
Chairperson
(Sgd.) Bishop Joseph G. Agpaoa
Vice-Chairperson
(Sgd.) Ms. Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses
Vice-Chairperson
(Sgd.) Rev. Jon Dave Angeles
Vice-Chairperson
(Sgd.) Rev. Leonardo R. Morada
Corporate Treasurer
(Sgd.) Ms. Minnie Anne M. Calub
General Secretary
