CBCP meets with whistleblowers in alleged Makati City corruption

Some members of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) have met with seven whistleblowers in alleged corruption in Makati City during the administration of Jejomar Binay, now vice president of the Philippines.

According to a report on GMA's "24 Oras" aired Saturday evening, the meeting included former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, Atty. Renato Bondal, Nicholas Enciso VI.

Also in attendance during the meeting held on Friday was Jose Orillaza, former president of Omni Security Services , allegedly a dummy corporation owned by Binay.

CBCP Permanent Committee of public affairs Chairman Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo has confirmed the meeting took place.



“Ang simbahan, gusto rin namin malaman kung ano 'yung katotohanan. So, parang intimate na friendly na pag-uusap lang. Kuwentuhan at we asked them ano 'yung mga questions namin,” Pabillo said.

“Its a part of our effort to also search for the truth,” he added, saying the whistleblowers didn't ask for anything except for prayers and support in their anti-corruption campaign.

Pabillo also encouraged Binay to present his side of the story.

“'Wag na natin sana ibintang 'yung kung anong political maneuverings na nangyari. Kung may mali, may mali. Aminin lang at 'yung taumbayan malalaman din yun,” he said.

The CBCP has no official statement regarding the meeting as of this post.

Meanwhile, Binay's spokesman Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla said the vice president is open for dialogue with the CBCP.

“The Church has always played an important role in Philippine society. Our wish is that they take a sober look at the fact and arrive at a rational conclusion after,” he said. — Andrei Medina/JDS, GMA News