Marcos' stance rejecting Sara impeachment unchanged — Palace

The National Rally for Peace by Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) did not alter President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s position against efforts to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, Malacañang said Tuesday.

"The President's position on the impeachment move in the HoR (House of Representatives) has not changed," Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said when asked if the massive rally had any effect on the President's belief that Duterte should not be impeached.

To recall, Marcos expressed belief that ousting Duterte from power would not benefit the lives of Filipinos.

"What will happen to the—if somebody files an impeachment? It will tie down the House, it will tie down the Senate. It will just take up all our time, for what? For nothing. None of this will help improve a single Filipino life. As far as I'm concerned, it's a storm in a tea cup," Marcos had said.

Attended by 1.8 million individuals across the country, organizers said the INC peace rally was not a political activity even if it was meant to support Marcos' stance against impeaching Duterte, his running mate in Eleksyon 2022.

According to INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala, the event was actually moral in nature.

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

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 her alleged misuse of public funds.

Also on Monday, Duterte thanked the INC for organizing the nationwide rally, saying it was a "powerful" show of unity and faith. — VDV, GMA Integrated News