President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed confidence that the ongoing rally along EDSA organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) would remain peaceful, citing the religious group’s history of disciplined mass gatherings, while warning of possible attempts by outside groups to infiltrate and provoke unrest.
Speaking to reporters at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City before departing for his official visit to Canada, Marcos said the government continues to closely monitor the situation, with public safety remaining its primary concern.
The President noted that the INC has historically conducted large-scale demonstrations without violence or major disturbances.
“Ako, malakas ang loob ko kasi sa buong kasaysayan ng Iglesia, pag nag-rally, kahit napakarami, hindi sila nanggugulo (I am confident because throughout the history of the Iglesia, whenever they hold rallies, no matter how large the crowd is, they do not cause trouble),” Marcos said.
He said the government’s main concern was the possibility of outside groups infiltrating the gathering to provoke unrest.
“Ang problema lang namin is that merong impormasyon na siyempre merong mga mag-i-infiltrate, mag-agitate. ‘Yun ang inaalala namin (The only problem is that we have information that there are those who may infiltrate the gatherings, the agitators. That is what worries us),” he said.
“Ang pinakaimportante sa amin, walang masaktan. Either taga-Iglesia o kung sino man na mapunta roon na mangulo (What is most important for us is that no one gets hurt, whether they are members of the Iglesia or anyone else who may go there to cause trouble),” he added.
The President thanked organizers, law enforcement authorities and participants for maintaining order during the demonstration.
“So let’s just keep everything stable and peaceful. And so far it has been. So I thank everybody involved for keeping it safe for everybody,” he said.
Rejects ‘Selective Justice’ Allegation
Marcos also dismissed allegations raised during the rally that his administration was implementing “selective justice.”
Asked about claims by rally participants and some speakers that the government had selectively pursued political opponents while protecting allies, the President simply replied: “That’s their opinion. (But) I believe they’re wrong.”
Thousands of INC members continue to gather along portions of EDSA since Tuesday, expressing support for Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and criticizing what organizers described as selective justice and political persecution.
The demonstration came amid the reported plan of the Office of the Ombudsman to file charges against Marcoleta over alleged irregularities involving PHP75 million in campaign contributions that were not properly declared in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures and Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
The senator has denied wrongdoing and linked the case to his efforts to expose alleged anomalies in government flood control projects.
Malacañang has repeatedly rejected allegations of selective justice, maintaining that legal cases are being pursued based on evidence and are handled by the Office of the Ombudsman, an independent constitutional body.
Authorities deployed thousands of police personnel to secure the rally areas and maintain traffic flow along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila. (PNA)