THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IS FAR FROM OVER:
UPAC Scores Legal Breakthrough in CA Over Billion-Peso Accountability Suit

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The United People Against Corruption (UPAC) declares a major step forward in its relentless battle for public accountability as the Court of Appeals (CA) Second Division issued a formal Resolution giving due traction to the group’s crusade. This development shatters misleading claims that the fight against public officials over allegedly anomalous multi-billion flood control contracts has been entirely shut down.

The CA Resolution, under CA-G.R. SP NO. 194837 dated September 17, 2026, explicitly commands the respondents—including high-ranking legislators Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, former House Appropriations Chairman Elizalde “Zaldy” Co, and Quezon City 5th District Rep. Patrick Michael “PM” Vargas—to file their formal Comment within ten (10) days from notice.

Setting the Record Straight
The legal battle stemmed from a ₱1-billion damages lawsuit initiated by UPAC to hold public officials accountable. When the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) initially halted the suit due to a staggering ₱20-million docket fee assessment—rejecting the group’s application to litigate as pauper litigants—critics and opposing parties quickly framed the scenario as a total victory and the end of the case.

The Court of Appeals’ order for the respondents to answer proves that the legal avenues are wide open. This petitory action aims directly at lifting the astronomical ₱20-million cost barrier, ensuring that everyday citizens can utilize the judicial system to challenge systemic corruption without being priced out of justice.

Fierce Defiance from UPAC Leadership
The group’s spokesperson and convener, Bishop Bellaser “Kiko” Herrera, released a fearless warning to the public officials involved, stressing that power and wealth will no longer shield corrupt leaders from public reckoning.

“They thought they could bury this case under a mountain of unreachable legal fees, but they heavily underestimated the resolve of the Filipino people,” Bishop Kiko Herrera declared. “While corrupt politicians plunder public funds to line their pockets, the poor are left to drown in devastating floods, lose their homes, and watch their livelihoods get destroyed. We are warning those in power: the days of operating with absolute impunity are coming to an end. This Resolution is just the beginning of the people’s day of judgment, and we will not rest, pray, or falter until these ‘Judases’ face complete accountability before the law.”

Victory Through Collective Action and Protest
UPAC strongly emphasized that while the courtroom remains an essential battlefield, true victory cannot be won through legal papers alone.
The organization declared that real, systemic transformation will only be forced when everyday citizens take their outrage to the streets. The legal breakthrough must serve as a catalyst for sweeping collective action, grassroots mobilization, and mass protests. UPAC maintains that public officials only fear the law when the relentless, organized voice of an awakened citizenry stands right outside their doors demanding justice.

A Message from UPAC’s Legal Counsel
“This resolution from the Court of Appeals brings us back to the front lines,” said Atty. Ariel Inton, lead legal counsel for UPAC, speaking through from his firm. “The public has been fed a false narrative that this fight is finished. Far from it. The appellate court is actively reviewing our plea to break down the financial barricades blocking our advocacy. We are demanding transparency for the people of Quezon City and the entire country, and we will not back down.”

The Stand Continues
UPAC reminds the public that technical delays do not equate to vindication for those handling public funds. This latest procedural development strengthens the group’s resolve to carry out its institutional mandate.

The fight is not over. UPAC will continue to maximize every legal option across all courts and tribunals until transparency and absolute accountability are achieved for every Filipino.