Marcoleta: Gov’t leaders must work together

The Iglesia Ni Cristo will not take sides between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, a lawmaker and prominent INC member said as the group readies for its national rally for peace tomorrow (Monday, January 13, 2025).

“The INC does not take sides. That is a categorical answer there. The INC would like to see people like the Vice President and the President work together. That is the essence of good government,” Sagip party-list Rodante Marcoleta said in an interview with the Bilyonaryo News Channel.

The rally at the Quirino Grandstand is expected to draw about 1 million participants, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

“It’s a rally for peace, that’s all. I think the INC wants to send a message across the nation that peace is a factor in achieving development and progress in this country. The INC believes that peace can only be achieved by uniting our people, and this unity can be best demonstrated by our leaders,” Marcoleta said.

Three impeachment complaints have been filed against Duterte before the House of Representatives based on multiple grounds, including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.

Mr. Marcos earlier said he does not support calls for Duterte’s impeachment as it would not help the Filipino people.

Earlier, an anchor from INC’s official broadcast arm also sought to debunk “fake news” claiming that the religious organization’s rally on Monday was intended to defend the Vice President.

“What will take place… is a rally for peace. It is not for VP Sara. It will take no [political] sides,” Net25 news anchor Ali Sotto said in Filipino.

“Let’s be objective. Let’s be factual. The rally is for peace — kapayapaan,” she added.

Sotto’s statement appeared to counter the claims of lawyer Harry Roque, who earlier suggested that the rally would block efforts to impeach the Vice President.

“First of all, this [rally] opposes the impeachment of Inday Sara Duterte. Second, they want peace in the government,” Roque earlier told Bombo Radyo.

Roque, reportedly abroad but whose exact whereabouts are unknown, has also been promoting the rally on his Facebook account, inviting the public to join.

Malacañang has suspended government work and classes in the cities of Manila and Pasay on Monday to ensure the smooth conduct of the event.

The MMDA will also deploy 1,300 personnel to manage traffic and ensure public safety during the rally.

Nine roads around the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila will be closed to traffic on January 13.

In a traffic advisory, the City of Manila said roads to be closed from 4 a.m. onwards on Monday are:

• Katigbak Drive and South Drive
• Independence Road
• North- and southbound lanes of Roxas Boulevard from Katigbak Drive to UN Avenue
• North- and southbound lanes of Bonifacio Drive from Katigbak Drive to Anda Circle
• P. Burgos Avenue from Victoria Street to Roxas Boulevard
• Ma. Orosa Street from P. Burgos Avenue to UN Avenue
• Finance Road from P. Burgos Avenue to Taft Avenue
• Gen. Luna Roundtable
• Kalaw Avenue from Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard