A viral YouTube video claims Catholic priest Flaviano “Flavie” Villanueva has been defrocked for allegedly receiving suitcases of money from public funds and misappropriating billions of pesos. However, fact-checkers confirm he remains a priest, with no papal decree issued. He has filed complaints against his accusers amid ongoing allegations.
A Rappler fact check debunks claims that Fr. Flavie Villanueva has been defrocked. The YouTube video, with 4,500 views, 334 likes, and 72 comments at the time of review, features the title “Nakarma na! Father Flavie wala ng takas! Tanggal na sa pagka-pari? Bilyong nakaw na pera nabulabog na?” The narrator alleges Villanueva received large sums from public funds, echoing statements from 18 alleged former marines who acted as “bagmen” for former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
The Catholic Church in the Philippines adheres to Vatican canon law, where only the Pope can laicize a priest through a rescript. Local dioceses or civil authorities may suspend or remove a priest from active duties, but these are temporary administrative measures, not permanent defrocking. The process involves a diocesan investigation, tribunal review allowing the priest to defend himself, examination by the Vatican Dicastery for the Clergy, and final papal decision.
No papal statement, decree, or rescript confirms Villanueva's laicization, nor has any Vatican announcement or diocesan communication indicated permanent dismissal. On March 9, alongside Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila de Lima, Villanueva filed a perjury complaint with the Department of Justice and a cyber libel complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation against the 18 alleged former marines and their lawyer, Levito Baligod. These stem from allegations that De Lima and Villanueva received kickbacks from flood control projects.
Baligod admitted an “oversight” in naming De Lima but maintained she attended meetings involving cash transfers. De Lima described the filings as a defense of her reputation against repeated smear campaigns, while Villanueva said they aim to stop lies and affirm the truth, particularly regarding funds for his Bahay Kalinga operations. The NBI has subpoenaed Baligod and the 18. Baligod also implicated President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House speaker Martin Romualdez, claims dismissed by Malacañang as a “lousy script.”
