In a powerful address before thousands of demonstrators at the EDSA People Power Monument, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), called on individuals involved in alleged corruption in flood control projects to come forward and speak the truth—offering the Church as a sanctuary for whistleblowers.

“It is not too late,” Cardinal David declared, urging officials and contractors implicated in the scandal to redeem themselves by exposing wrongdoing. Holding his bishop’s crosier, he likened it to a shepherd’s crook used to rescue lost sheep, symbolizing the Church’s willingness to protect those who choose honesty over complicity.

“If they need the protection of the Church, those who want to speak the truth—but only the truth—we will open our churches as a sanctuary,” he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

But the cardinal also issued a stern warning to those who continue to exploit public funds. “Because this is a shepherd’s crook, it can also be used to strike the wild dogs and crocodiles who squander the people’s money,” he said, prompting chants of “Jail the corrupt now!” from the energized crowd.

The protest, held on the anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, comes amid growing public outrage over alleged irregularities in government flood control projects. Critics claim the anomalies have exacerbated the impact of recent storms, leaving communities vulnerable and devastated.

Investigations have been launched by both the Senate and the House of Representatives, though skepticism remains over the impartiality of Congress, with some lawmakers reportedly linked to contractors involved in the projects.

In response to mounting pressure, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has formed an independent body to probe the alleged corruption in infrastructure development.

Cardinal David’s impassioned appeal adds a moral dimension to the unfolding scandal, positioning the Church as both a refuge for truth-tellers and a watchdog against abuse of power.