INC rally calls for actions vs corrupt gov't officials

Despite intermittent rains, attendees continued to stream into the Quirino Grandstand grounds and surrounding areas as the three-day Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally started yesterday in Manila.

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

Members of the religious group Iglesia ni Cristo kick off a three-day rally against corruption at the Quirino Grandstand

(NIÑO JESUS ORBETA)

On its first day, the crowd, calling for transparency and accountability in government, swelled to an estimated 650,000 as of 6 p.m., according to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

During the opening program, Bienvenido Santiago Jr., general evangelist of INC, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the rally was not a political event but a peaceful demonstration calling for transparency, accountability and good governance.

"We want to make it clear that this is not just about politics," Santiago said. "This is our exercise of our right to freely express ourselves. The Church of Christ joins fellow citizens concerned about corruption and flood-control projects carried out by senior government officials. We stand united with Filipinos across the country and the world in calling for transparency, accountability and peace."

He underscored that the INC rejects all extreme or unconstitutional measures — including revolution, a revolutionary government, coup d'état, snap elections and the creation of a civilian-military junta - stressing that any actions taken must be just and in full accordance with the Constitution.

Santiago said the INC opposes any move that could lead to violence or chaos, insisting that all solutions must be pursued legally and peacefully.

He clarified that the INC does not seek the downfall of the government as an institution, but instead calls for the eradication of corruption and the establishment of a clean, honest and pro-people government, emphasizing that it is the bad leaders and corrupt officials who should be removed.

Santiago also highlighted the economic impact of corruption, pointing to halted infrastructure loans and weak investor confidence.