INC reasserts stand vs unconstitutional moves

MANILA, Philippines — The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) asserted anew that it does not support any action that violates the Constitution.

In a statement, the church reiterated its long-held position against moves “against the Constitution.”

The clarification came a day after Sen. Imee Marcos spoke from the INC stage on the second day of the rally and alleged that President Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos were using illegal drugs.

INC spokesman Edwil Zabala declined to comment further, saying he had “nothing else to add to the press release.”

The church said it ended its “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy” a day early after determining that it had already made its point.

“Taking into consideration the speed and extent of media coverage, both local and international, that the rally generated, it did not need three days to achieve the goal of sending the message that we are calling for justice, accountability, transparency and peace,” it said.

The INC thanked its members for responding to the church administration’s call to join the public clamor for decisive action against corruption.

About 550,000 people gathered for the rally at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday, while Sunday’s crowd was estimated to have peaked at around 600,000 late in the afternoon, according to the Manila Police District.

The Philippine Red Cross assisted more than 400 individuals during the two major anti-corruption rallies in Metro Manila, noting that most sought help for vital signs monitoring, dizziness, headaches, abdominal discomfort and other minor ailments.

The PRC also recorded four major cases involving severe dizziness and lacerations, while another four participants were brought to medical posts or hospitals for shortness of breath, severe chest pain, inguinal pain and a head avulsion.

Across both venues, the PRC deployed nine ambulance units, six first aid stations, two welfare desks and 47 staff members and volunteers from Sunday to Monday.

All ambulance units in Metro Manila were placed on high alert, with multiple first aid stations and welfare desks set up at the sites.

The church expressed gratitude to the Philippine National Police, the national government, the Manila City government for helping maintain a peaceful and orderly demonstration.

Although the event was over, the Philippine Coast Guard said it would remain on full alert and would be lifted “in due time” as they continue “winding down procedures.”

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla commended organizers and participants of the two-day assemblies, noting the peaceful conduct of the rallies.

Calls for ouster

Following the rallies, militant groups amplified their criticism of the country’s top leaders as political tensions continued to build.

Yesterday, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) called for the resignation of President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, saying both should be held accountable for what it described as “large-scale corruption in government.”

In a statement, the group said the two officials should be replaced by a civilian-led transition government that would pursue accountability “without fear or favor” and implement political and socio-economic reforms.

Marcos, according to Bayan, “bears principal responsibility” for the corruption controversies hounding the administration, claiming he drafted and approved a national budget that allowed “anomalous insertions” and pork barrel projects.

“There can be no genuine accountability and justice so long as Marcos remains in power,” it said. — Rhodina Villanueva, Mark Ernest Villeza, Mayen Jaymalin, Rainier Allan Ronda