Senate suspends work on Jan. 13 due to Iglesia Ni Cristo rally

The Senate on Friday announced suspension of work on January 13, Monday, in view of the National Rally for Peace to be held by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila City.

"Consistent with Memorandum Circular No. 76 issued by the Office of the President earlier today suspending work in all government offices in the Cities of Manila and Pasay on 13 January 2025 to allow for the organized conduct of the 'National Rally for Peace' by the Iglesia ni Cristo, Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero has instructed that work in the Senate shall be suspended on Monday, 13 January," read the advisory issued by Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr.

The work suspension exempts the personnel from the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms and the Maintenance and General Services Bureau.

Sessions in the Senate will resume on January 14 at 3 p.m.

Senate suspends work on January 13 in light of Iglesia ni Cristo’s rally at Quirino Grandstand. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/QJDrkFmYpk

— Hana Bordey (@HanaBordey) January 10, 2025

Earlier in the day, Malacañang announced the suspension of government offices and classes in all levels in the cities of Pasay and Manila on Monday amid the Iglesia Ni Cristo's National Rally for Peace.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) earlier also announced the closure of roads near Quirino Grandstand because of the event.

The MMDA is expecting up to 1 million attendees to participate.

Last December 4, the religious group announced that it will hold a rally where members will express support for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s stance against impeachment moves.

To recall, Marcos had said he is not supportive of any impeachment plan against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Duterte is currently facing three impeachment complaints in the House of Representatives.

The Vice President last month welcomed the filing of impeachment complaints against her because only she is the subject of the supposed attacks and do not include her former and current colleagues at the OVP and DepEd.

Duterte had said that this would also provide her the opportunity to finally answer allegations against her. — VDV, GMA Integrated News