Two members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) came to the defense of Fr. Flaviano Villanueva on Saturday, June 6, 2026, after he was accused of receiving money from anomalous flood control projects.
Bishop Ayuban Denies Allegations
In a statement, Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban said there is no truth to the allegations made against Villanueva, calling such claims the "work of the devil."
"Disinformation is the work of the devil, the father of lies. It sows confusion, division, and mistrust, things that run contrary to the Gospel," Ayuban said.
He stressed that there is no church entrusted to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City or anywhere in its vicinity. "Within the Diocese of Cubao, the SVDs are present only in the Sacred Heart Parish-Shrine in Kamuning, the Sto. Niño de Violago Quasi-Parish, and the Divine Word Shrine along E. Rodriguez Avenue," Ayuban added.
Cardinal David Expresses Support
Kalookan Bishop Cardinal Pablo David also expressed his support for Villanueva, citing his track record as a man of integrity and righteousness.
"I have known Fr. Flavie for many years and have witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to the human dignity of the poorest of the poor, especially the families of victims of violence and those who often have no one else to accompany them in their suffering. Those who know him know that his ministry has always been marked by compassion, integrity, and a profound respect for human life," David said.
He added that he stands with Villanueva in his battle against disinformation targeting those who have been vocal critics of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings. "I pray that truth, fairness, and due process will prevail, and that those who have dedicated their lives to serving the poor and defending human dignity will not be silenced or discredited by unfounded accusations," David said.
Background of the Allegations
Last week, former Marine Joely Cadiao disclosed that he supposedly delivered money to Villanueva through an envelope allegedly delivered near a church in Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City, and in a suitcase supposedly delivered to an address identified as "33 Clemente."
Villanueva is the founder of the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation but became more known for helping victims of the bloody drug war of the Duterte administration.
