Comelec urges aspirants not to campaign at INC rally

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday called on aspirants for the 2025 national and local elections to refrain from campaigning during the Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC's) peace rally on Monday, January 13.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that the poll body would not monitor the nationwide event out of respect for its religious nature, urging aspirants to show the same restraint.

“Hindi naman tayo para mag-monitor pa sa ganyan sapagkat again, napakataas ng respeto natin sa gagawing kilos na ‘yan. Isa pong faith prayer rally ‘yan eh,” Garcia said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.

(It’s not for us to monitor this because we have immense respect for this faith prayer rally.)

Garcia appealed to politicians to avoid exploiting religious events for political gain, as was emphasized during the recent Traslacion.

“Pero ganon pa rin ang panawagan natin kagaya nung Traslacion nung nakaraan sa mga pulitiko, na sana naman, ‘wag nating gamitin ang isang napaka-religious activity na ginagawa ng ating mga kababayan. Nirerespeto po ‘yun at alam natin ang mga pulitiko at kandidato rumerespeto ay mas pinagpapala. Sana ‘yun ang nasa isip natin,” he added.

(But as we appealed to politicians during the Traslacion, we urge them not to use a deeply religious activity of our countrymen for their own interests. Such events should be respected, and we know that politicians and candidates who show respect are more blessed. Let us keep this in mind.)

Last week, the Comelec reminded aspirants not to use the Feast of Jesus Nazareno to further political ambitions, emphasizing that religious occasions should remain free from political interference.

On Monday, the INC will hold a National Rally for Peace to support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s stance against impeachment efforts targeting Vice President Sara Duterte.

Duterte currently faces three impeachment complaints before the House of Representatives, all related to the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

The rally at Quirino Grandstand in Manila is expected to draw up to one million attendees, with additional venues prepared nationwide, including Rizal Park in Davao City.

Malacañang announced the suspension of government offices and classes at all levels in Pasay and Manila on Monday in anticipation of the event. Similarly, the Quezon City government and the Davao City local government have suspended classes and limited government workforce operations. — DVM, GMA Integrated News