On Monday, January 13, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) held its much-anticipated "National Rally for Peace" at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, drawing over 1.8 million members to call for unity and reconciliation. Despite the event’s strong support for Vice President Sara Duterte, INC leaders were quick to clarify that the rally was not politically motivated but rather a call for peace and healing within the nation.
Rally Centered on Unity and Forgiveness
INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala emphasized that the rally's primary message was to encourage forgiveness and cooperation, not political division. "It’s a question of perspective," he explained, noting that the gathering was rooted in basic principles of decency and mutual respect. The religious group focused on the importance of unity, urging Filipinos to set aside differences and work together for a better future.
Support for Duterte Amid Political Divisions
While not explicitly political, the rally aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent statement against impeachment efforts targeting Vice President Duterte. Marcos had called for a focus on more urgent issues, dismissing the political conflict as a "storm in a teacup." INC’s peace rally, according to Zabala, was a direct response to this call for stability, reflecting the group’s desire to foster calm and discourage further political turmoil.
Vice President Duterte, who expressed gratitude for the INC's support, described the rally as “a powerful display of unity and faith,” underscoring that its sole purpose was to advocate for peace and national progress.
A Record-Breaking Gathering for Peace
The INC’s rally attracted an extraordinary turnout, with the Manila Police District estimating over 1.5 million attendees by 10 a.m. Members from nearby provinces like Cavite, Quezon, and Tarlac traveled to Manila to participate in the event. Thousands of security personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of the peaceful assembly, which remained orderly throughout. With 2.8 million members known for voting as a bloc, the INC is the third-largest religious group in the country, and its influence is a powerful force in shaping national discourse. For the INC, the rally was a reminder that unity and peace are vital for the nation’s growth and stability.
