The Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the constitutional order, distancing itself from the planned three-day political rallies, and urged the public to refrain from engaging in activities that could destabilize the government.
In a pastoral statement released on Saturday, Nov. 15, the PCEC emphasized its support for thorough, impartial investigations conducted strictly within the bounds of the law “to ensure that facts and evidence are given precedence.”
“We uphold the importance of constitutional order and do not endorse any attempt to forcibly remove the elected President. It is essential that all citizens recognize and respect the authority vested in the Constitution and seek reform through peaceful and lawful means,” the PCEC said.
The Council also encouraged individuals with relevant information or allegations—including whistleblowers—to come forward with clear and verifiable evidence, noting that all claims must undergo due process and proper examination.
The message came after former House Appropriations Committee chairman and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who remains out of the country, made disturbing allegations against President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and his allies linked to the flood control corruption scandal.
Co broke his silence through a series of social media videos ahead of the three-day rallies organized by influential religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), which began on Sunday, Nov. 16. The INC said the assemblies seek to push government “transparency for better democracy.”
“PCEC will not participate in the rally scheduled for November 16, 17, and 18, and discourages involvement in any activity that seeks to disrupt governmental stability or provoke unrest. We call for restraint, prudence, and adherence to peaceful and lawful avenues for redress,” the Council noted.
The INC through its leaders on Sunday said their mass demonstrations must not be construed as an attempt to further deepen the country’s political divide, but rather express stronger appeals for our public officials to allay fears of ‘cover ups’ in the latest case of widespread corruption.
The PCEC echoed this appeal, saying “as followers of Christ, we dedicate ourselves to seeking truth and promoting the welfare of all. We hope that leaders are endowed with wisdom and that our nation finds healing and unity,” it added.
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream,” the Council ended its statement.
Earlier, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Archdiocese of Manila similarly called for truth, justice, and due process to prevail amid growing political tensions.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Evangelicals won’t join Nov. 16-18 rallies”
