By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Three senators allied with Duterte, two of whom are seeking re-election, joined the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) National Prayer for Peace at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Monday (13 Jan 2025).
Francis Tolentino, Robin Padilla, and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa were seen at the rally. Tolentino and Dela Rosa are both vying for Senate seats once again.
According to the Manila Public Information Office, an estimated 1.4 million INC members attended the event at Quirino Grandstand.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had previously warned political candidates not to use the gathering for personal gain.
“Isang pagsasama-sama para sa pananampalataya at pagkakaisa po ito. Kasapi po tayo sa kapatiran ng Iglesia sa kanilang napakabuting hangarin,” Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said.
“Huwag sanang samantalahin ito para sa pansariling kapakanan. Iwasan ang maging epalitiko,” he added.
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MANILA — A “peace rally” organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) today, Monday (January 13, 2025), is poised to impact political decisions surrounding the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
So said Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian Monday (13 Jan 2025) as he emphasized the importance of INC’s bloc voting power in elections, noting that the sect, with its 2.8 million followers, could influence the decisions of politicians and government officials.
Currently, three impeachment complaints against Duterte are pending in the House of Representatives, accusing her of misusing confidential funds during her time as Vice President and Education Secretary.
The allegations include culpable violation of the Constitution, graft, and bribery.
Gatchalian argued that the INC rally serves as a reminder for politicians to focus on national issues rather than divisive politics, particularly with elections approaching. He said many local officials may hesitate to support the impeachment given the INC’s significant role in campaigning.
Despite the ongoing political tension between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte, both have publicly stated their opposition to the impeachment move.
The INC, however, has remained neutral, with Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta stating that the sect wants to see unity between the President and Vice President, describing the rally as a message for peace and national progress.
However, opposition figures like Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel see the rally as a call for reflection. He criticized the INC’s view of “peace” for potentially shielding officials from accountability, stressing that the welfare of the people should outweigh sectarian interests.
The rally, which has led to suspensions of government work and classes in several cities, is seen by some as a continuation of INC’s political influence, reminiscent of its 2012 efforts to sway senators during the impeachment of then-Chief Justice Renato Corona.
The said event is expected to disrupt traffic in various cities, with road closures and telecom services in Cagayan de Oro expected to be affected.
As the impeachment process progresses, the support of influential groups like INC could play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape ahead of the May midterm elections.
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