Iglesia ni Cristo: Peace rally moral, not political

The Iglesia Ni Cristo's massive rally which according to the police drew 1.5 million to the Quirino Grandstand and nearby areas isn't political even if it was meant to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s stance against impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte.

Thus, said INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala as regards the religious group's National Rally for Peace, which prompted the suspension of work and classes in Manila and Pasay.

Similar rallies were held simultaneously in 13 sites across the country, with the program starting at around 4 p.m. until 5 p.m.

“I understand that some would think this is political but it’s not. As far as we're concerned, it’s not. It’s something moral, actually," Zabala said in an interview.

"It’s something that all of us are morally bound to uphold. Magkaroon tayo ng kapayapaan. Magkaroon tayo ng pagkakaisa,” he added.

(Let us have peace. Let us have unity.)

Asked if the religious group was already endorsing candidates in Eleksyon 2025, Zabala said, "The Iglesia Ni Cristo has never endorsed anyone."

"When we unite to vote,  kami-kami lang naguusap eh [we only discuss among ourselves]. We don’t really involve those outside the Iglesia Ni Cristo, so it doesn’t really affect anyone,” he added. 

Zabala said the rally was open to the public and the religious group did not invite specific people or groups to join the event.

“We just said that this is open for everyone who believes in what we are going to be saying to the public, which is let’s unite again, let’s have peace,” Zabala said.

Zabala said the religious organization was hoping the rally would push public officials to end political rifts and focus on providing programs and services to Filipinos.

"It takes work but if we’re all willing to go back to those basic principles: decency, peace in our relationship with each other, hopefully, things are going to get better,” Zabala added.

The latest data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed around 1.8 million people arrived at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila for the religious event as of 5:25 p.m.

Several politicians were seen at the rally in Manila including Senators Francis Tolentino, Ronald dela Rosa, Ronald dela Rosa, and Bong Go. Also in attendance were SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, and former Mayor Isko Moreno.

Asked if the INC is worried the event may be politicized,  Zabala said: “Wala naman kayong narinig na pinagsalita namin na politiko na maaaring mag-take advantage”.

(We did not invite anyone on stage.)

“Whatever the reasons they have for coming, we would like to think the best of everyone...We would like to believe that everyone understood that this is a rally for peace. We're calling for unity,” he added.

Early this month, the INC announced that it would hold a peace rally to support Marcos’ stance against Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment.

Duterte is currently facing three impeachment complaints, all linked to the misuse of public funds.

"Ang pamahalaan ng lungsod ng Maynila naman ay sumusuporta sa panawagan ng ating Pangulo patungkol sa impeachment," said Lacuña.

(The Manila government is supporting the President's call regarding the impeachment.)

Malacañang earlier announced the suspension of government work and classes at all levels in Pasay and Manila because of the peace rally.

The Senate likewise suspended work due to the program. Some local government units have suspended work and classes on January 13. 

Meanwhile, thousands of Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Philippine National Police personnel will be deployed for the gathering of the religious group. —NB, GMA Integrated News