INC: No intention to overthrow gov't

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) emphasized that its three-day “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy” which is being closely monitored by President Marcos—aims to demand immediate and concrete solutions from the national government to curb corruption and not to overthrow the current administration.

- By PATRICK ELY GARCIA, ARGYLL CYRUS GEDUCOS, and CHITO CHAVEZ

The officials of the INC issued the statement after Day 1 of the rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila attended by over 630,000 participants, based on the estimate of the Manila Police District’s (MPD) crowd monitoring.

“We want to be clear to everyone. We do not seek the collapse of our government as an institution... What we want is the collapse of corruption. What we want is the establishment of an honest and citizen-friendly government,” INC general evangelist Bienvenido Santiago Jr. explained. “The bad leaders, the corrupt officials must be removed, not the government that guarantees the freedom of the people. So, my countrymen, our stance is clear."

Santiago stressed that the threeday protest calls for transparency and accountability and does not intend to sow chaos and put a color in politics.

"We call on those in government...We no longer want empty words and promises. What is needed are concrete steps to raise the dignity of our beloved country. We are not against good government, we are against corruption... As long as the masterminds of corruption are not traced and held accountable, we will continue our peaceful protest," the evangelist noted.

INC shops away pro-Duterte rallyists

Earlier on Sunday, the INC prevented a group of pro-Duterte rallyists from joining the gathering at the Quirino Grandstand because the placards they were carrying were calling for President Marcos Jr.'s resignation.

This prompted the rallyists to proceed to Liwasang Bonifacio instead to hold their own demonstration.

The religious group said their protest action at the Quirino Grandstand will last until today, Nov. 18.

No conflict with INC - Palace

As the rallies continue, President Marcos has ordered law-enforcement agencies to ensure public safety with maximum tolerance, Malacañang said.