‘Peaceful assembly bedrock of democracy’
Approximately 1.8 million members of Iglesia ni Cristo participated in peace rallies nationwide yesterday, the Philippine National Police said.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the bulk of the attendees — as much as 1.6 million — gathered at the Quirino Grandstand.
Crowds wearing white shirts and carrying banners calling for unity flocked to the site in Manila.
Fajardo said the event remained relatively peaceful, with no untoward incidents reported.
“We thanked the participants for heeding our call to keep the rally peaceful. So far, the event had been orderly,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna added.
Across the country, among the key sites of the INC rallies were the Sports Complex in Ilagan City, the Provincial Capitol in Palawan, Sawangan Park in Legazpi City, Freedom Grandstand in Bacolod City, Ormoc City Plaza in Leyte, South Road Properties (SRP) Grounds in Cebu City, Pagadian City Proper in Zamboanga del Sur, Plaza Divisoria in Cagayan de Oro City, San Pedro Square in Davao City, and the Butuan Sport Complex in Agusan del Norte
For his part, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to upholding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“To peaceably assemble is a bedrock right guaranteed by our Constitution, cherished by our people, and consistently upheld by this administration,” Bersamin said as he directed government agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the INC assembly.
“We view (Monday’s) assembly as part of the national conversation we should be having as a people to bring clarity and consensus on issues that face us all and affect our future,” the Palace official added.
Ahead of the rally, INC spokesman Edwil Zabala said the sect supports President Marcos’ position that any impeachment move against the Vice President would be divisive.
“There are many more things which our citizens need that must be attended to. These will not be achieved if all we see taking place is conflict,” Zabala said.
Vice President Sara Duterte is facing three impeachment cases, which accuse her of misusing millions of dollars in public funds and of plotting to have Mr. Marcos assassinated. She has denied the allegations.
Duterte on Monday thanked the INC for organizing a national rally for peace.
“This is a powerful display of unity and faith which only desires peace for the improvement of our country,” she the Vice President who just came back from a private trip to Japan over the weekend.
INC member and Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, for his part, criticized the Quad Committee during the peace rally, accusing his colleagues at the House of conducting inquiries against the Dutertes “in aid of persecution” rather than in aid of legislation.
Marcoleta also questioned the legitimacy of the investigations into the alleged misuse of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte previously headed.
“The Iglesia ni Cristo is not opposed to an impeachment, because the impeachment process is part of our Constitution. But if the manner that it is done is not according to existing laws, it will only result in polarization,” Marcoleta said.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a reelectionist, said he joined the peace rally not to get the endorsement of the INC.
“I am not here not to be endorsed, I am here to join as a Filipino. I am one with them behind the purpose of this rally,” Dela Rosa said.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, another reelectionist, also attended the gathering.
“My presence here reflects my support for the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the call for unity, and the President’s appeal—if I may remind you, I was seated beside him when he emphasized the necessity of coming together. This took place in Lucena, Quezon, last year,” he said.
“The prevailing theme today is one of peace and unity, devoid of political motivations. My attendance here is dedicated to fostering unity and promoting a comprehensive understanding among all our citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or sentiments. The call from the Iglesia Ni Cristo resonates with the notion that there is but one flag representing the Philippines,” he added.