VP Binay defends Iglesia ni Cristo rallies; won’t say if he’s wooing group for endorsement

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday defended the Iglesia ni Cristo from criticisms that it inconvenienced the public after holding a protest along the busy thoroughfare of Edsa over the weekend.

“Alam niyo naman ako na human rights lawyer ako. Dapat respetuhin natin ang sinasabi ng batas na religious freedom. Tsaka yung magagalit kayo sa rally, 'yan ho ay kasama sa saligang batas. Kasama 'yan ng freedom of speech,” Binay told reporters during his visit in the municipality of Paombong in Bulacan.

“Alam mo sa rally, sabi ng Supreme Court, in the exercise of freedom of speech, there might be some inconvenience caused. Pero hindi mo pwedeng ipagbawal 'yun,” he added.

Iglesia ni Cristo ended its protest Monday morning after a discussion between its leaders and officials of the Aquino government.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte clarified that there was no deal struck with the influential group, which is known to practice bloc voting during national elections.

Church members began their mass action last Thursday at the Department of Justice compound to protest what they say was a special treatment in a complaint filed by an expelled minister who has accused church leaders of illegally detention and harassment.

They moved their protest to EDSA on Friday, paralyzing the main thoroughfare with some 20,000 people attending the rally on Sunday night.

‘Next question please’

Asked whether Binay is courting the vote of Iglesia members, Binay told reporters: “next question, please.”

Binay failed to get Iglesia's endorsement when he ran for vice president in the 2010 elections.

The group instead supported then vice-presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, who ran in tandem with now President Benigno Aquino III.

Binay and Roxas are set to face off again in next year's presidential elections. —Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez/NB, GMA News