MANILA — In a rare display of ecumenical unity, leaders from the Roman Catholic Church, Evangelical Christian denominations, and the Aglipayan Church gathered at the historic EDSA Shrine on Monday to pray for an end to corruption in the Philippines. The prayer service also served as a platform for the leaders to condemn the proposed ₱6.4-trillion national budget for 2025, which they described as “self-serving” and lacking transparency.
With the budget awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature, the religious groups criticized its priorities, asserting that it fails to address the needs of the poor and marginalized.
“The budget reflects a moral crisis,” said one church leader, urging the government to prioritize social services over political interests. The unprecedented event underscored the growing frustration among faith-based communities over perceived governance failures in a country where religion remains a powerful moral force.