“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” – Proverbs 29:2, RSV
The National Council of Churches in the Philippines mourns with the families who have lost loved ones, and stands in firm solidarity with all who are suffering from the flooding and destruction in Cebu and Central Visayas caused by Typhoon Tino. Year after year, typhoons of increasing severity batter our islands, this is no longer “normal,” this is a dangerous pattern. The suffering of our people battered by the Super Typhoon Yolanda 12 years ago is etched in our country’s memory. And yet, those in power, those mandated to protect the people, continue to fail miserably. Worse, they refuse to confront, or even deliberately ignore, the root causes of this worsening devastation.
Although Typhoon Tino has brought heavy rainfall exceeding the average, large-scale and unchecked quarrying operations have long been occurring in Cebu. Cebu is also one recipient of supposed flood control projects that turned out to be either nonexistent or substandard, causing the loss of people’s lives and livelihoods. Flood control projects, when done justly for vulnerable communities and in harmony with nature, are crucial actions for our adaptation to the climate crisis and to avert disasters. It is with deep indignation, however, that we see these projects be used for greed at the expense of the poor and marginalized. Conscious and criminal negligence by the authorities to protect the environment, through land-use conversion and prioritizing the profits of business and real estate projects, has exacerbated the devastation caused by the typhoon.
According to the World Risk Index 2025, the Philippines again topped a global index of 193 countries on vulnerability to flooding, characterized by high geographic fragmentation and high exposure to weather-related extremes[1]. The report also mentioned that societal conditions that increase the likelihood of suffering damage from these events, are worsened by urbanization and social inequality.
Disaster after disaster, we are counting the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, losses that disproportionately affect the poor. From Yolanda to Tino, we have tallied our losses, yet no one is held accountable. This kind of devastation will happen again and again unless we act decisively and with resolve and hold those responsible, especially those in government, to finally face the bars of justice.
Thus, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines is reiterating our call that “those responsible for the ghost and substandard flood control projects be held accountable regardless of their political connection or party affiliation. Additionally, suspend and review all flood control projects until a credible audit and scientifically based flood control mitigation study has been made. Cases of corruption across all branches of government must also be investigated including the insertion of “pork” or questionable items in the national budget that are prone to abuse including the Confidential Intelligence Fund.”
We also join the call for an immediate investigation and swift delivery of justice against those who permitted the destructive quarrying. The NCCP also demands for the outcome of the investigation into the corruption surrounding the flood control projects. The system of corruption has been exposed, and the evidence of suffering and devastation of people and the environment is undeniable. However, those responsible remain elusive, as if they were ghosts. The NCCP demands accountability and action to prevent further loss of life and livelihood.
The NCCP reminds the government that the people are closely observing the course of the investigation despite increasing obfuscation. Every day justice is delayed, justice is denied, and every delay only deepens the anger and impatience of Filipinos demanding accountability. Justice is not optional. Justice is indispensable to lasting peace.
As a council of churches, we call on our faithful to remain steadfast and compassionate to help our neighbors suffering from these disasters. Yet at the same time, let us be fierce and unwavering in demanding accountability from the government. We therefore call on the Filipino people to remain vigilant and closely monitor the investigation into corruption until justice is finally served. May we all be united in prayer and action for meaningful change for our nation.
Signed:
10 November 2025
(Sgd.) The Most Rev. Brent Harry W. Alawas
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
__________
[1] https://globalnation.inquirer.net/293039/ph-again-tops-world-risk-index-over-weather. The country recorded a “very high” risk score of 46.56, followed by India (40.73), Indonesia (39.80), Colombia (39.26) and Mexico (38.96).
