Action against corruption urged as INC rally draws thousands

National

DESPITE intermittent rain showers, thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members gathered at the Quirino Grandstand and nearby areas on Sunday, Nov. 16, as the church launched its three-day rally calling for transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Authorities estimated the crowd at around 650,000 by 6 p.m., marking a significant turnout on the first day of the assembly, a Philstar report stated.

In his opening address, INC General Evangelist Bienvenido Santiago Jr. emphasized that the gathering was a peaceful demonstration, not a political protest.

“This rally is our exercise of the right to freely express ourselves. We stand with Filipinos calling for transparency and accountability,” Santiago said, highlighting corruption, stalled infrastructure projects, and government inefficiencies as the rally’s main concerns.

Santiago clarified that the INC does not advocate extreme measures such as coups, revolutionary governments, or unlawful actions.

“Our goal is not to overthrow the government, but to remove corrupt leaders and ensure a clean, pro-people administration,” he stressed. He also cited the economic consequences of corruption, pointing to delayed infrastructure loans and weak investor confidence as impacts of governance failures.

The church leader urged government authorities to conduct public investigations, hold guilty officials accountable, and return misappropriated funds to benefit social programs. “Justice and transparency must guide all actions. Corruption cannot be tolerated at any level,” Santiago said.

Security was a top priority for city authorities, with approximately 3,000 police personnel deployed to manage the rally and ensure public safety.

Manila Police District Acting Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad confirmed officers were stationed at strategic locations, including the Quirino Grandstand, Mendiola, and Recto Avenue, to maintain order and traffic flow. Emergency and medical teams were also on standby to respond to health or weather-related issues.

While the INC rally remained orderly, a separate group of Duterte supporters attempted to join the assembly but were barred from the venue for carrying banners calling for President Marcos’ resignation. The group subsequently relocated to Liwasang Bonifacio, continuing their protest peacefully.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla described the rallies as “generally peaceful,” praising both participants and law enforcement for maintaining calm.(Xienderlyn Trinidad, USJ-R Comm Intern)