Manila Priest Issues Alert on Online Disinformation Campaign Against Cardinal

In an unusual move during a Simbang Gabi Mass at Manila Cathedral, Monsignor Rolando dela Cruz used his homily to debunk viral misinformation targeting Cardinal Jose Advincula of the Archdiocese of Manila.

The senior priest firmly rejected social media claims that Cardinal Advincula had accepted money from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, characterizing the allegations as completely false and potentially damaging to the Church’s reputation.

“That case did not contain millions of pesos,” dela Cruz told worshippers gathered for the pre-Christmas dawn Mass on Friday. “What was inside was a chalice used for the Mass.”

The controversy stems from a July ceremony at Manila Cathedral marking the opening of the 20th Congress. Cardinal Advincula presided over the Mass, which was attended by numerous lawmakers including Romualdez. After the service, Romualdez approached the altar and presented the cardinal with a small case as a token of appreciation.

According to dela Cruz, this innocent exchange has been misrepresented online to suggest impropriety, with social media posts alleging the cardinal accepted a bag of money. The posts further implied that the Church had been compromised and was therefore unwilling to criticize Romualdez, who has recently been implicated in a controversy surrounding flood control projects.

The monsignor’s decision to address this issue during the traditional Simbang Gabi celebrations highlights the growing concern among Church officials about the spread of misinformation on social media platforms, particularly when it targets religious institutions.

“When you see these things online, ask yourself: Is this correct? Is this true?” dela Cruz urged the congregation. He emphasized the importance of verification and critical thinking before sharing potentially damaging content.

The timing of this controversy is particularly sensitive, coming amid heightened public scrutiny of government spending and allegations of corruption. Romualdez, a powerful figure in Philippine politics and a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has faced criticism over flood control project allocations, making any suggestion of Church complicity particularly damaging to the institution’s standing.

The Catholic Church has historically played a significant role in Philippine politics and social issues, with religious leaders often speaking out against corruption and social injustice. Any perception that Church leaders might be compromised could undermine this moral authority at a time when many Filipinos look to religious institutions as ethical counterweights to political power.

Dela Cruz acknowledged the legitimate public concerns about corruption and the use of public funds, suggesting that questioning official accountability is appropriate. However, he cautioned that such scrutiny should be based on facts rather than unverified accusations.

“Those are the questions we must ask,” he said, “but let us not immediately believe what we hear; we need to ask questions.”

The incident reflects broader challenges facing religious institutions in the digital age, where misinformation can spread rapidly through social media channels and damage reputations before facts can be established. It also underscores the delicate balance Church officials must maintain when engaging with political figures in a country where religion and politics frequently intersect.

As the Philippines continues its traditional nine-day Simbang Gabi celebrations leading up to Christmas, dela Cruz’s unusual intervention serves as a reminder of how even sacred spaces and ceremonies are not immune to the divisive influence of online misinformation in contemporary Philippine society.