Palace urges Iglesia Ni Cristo to prevent rally from being used for destabilization

Malacañang appealed Wednesday to the leadership of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) to ensure that its ongoing rally is not used by groups seeking to destabilize the government.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration respects the integrity of the INC leadership and does not believe the religious group's objective is to remove President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. from office.

"Ang pakiusap po natin sa liderato ng INC, maging maingat din po sila at baka sila ay magamit ng ibang tao na ang naisin ay patalsikin ang Pangulo," Castro said.

(Our appeal to the INC leadership is to be careful because they may be used by other people whose intention is to oust the President.)

"Huwag lamang silang lalabag sa batas at huwag silang magsilbi at maging daan para sa isang destabilization."

(They should not violate the law or allow themselves to become a vehicle for destabilization.)

Shortly after protesters started gathering in the White Plains area in Quezon City on June 30, the Iglesia Ni Cristo aired a televised statement questioning the possible filing of plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta.

INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala had said they were confused why Marcoleta will be charged when he led the investigation into the flood control mess when he was the chairperson of the Senate blue ribbon committee.

The crowd estimate around the EDSA People Power Monument on Tuesday peaked at about 15,500, based on figures by the Quezon City police.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo secured a rally permit from the Quezon City government for its mass action today, Wednesday, which should end by 8 p.m.

Castro stressed that while there have long been efforts by some groups to remove Marcos from office, the government remains prepared for any scenario.

"Matagal naman na may nagnanais patalsikin ang Pangulo sa posisyon. So hindi ito bago, handa naman ang gobyerno para diyan," Castro added.

(There have long been people who want to remove the President from office. This is not new, and the government is prepared for it.)

Castro said the Palace recognizes that the INC has said its gathering aims to promote transparency and accountability.

"Hindi naman siguro ang purpose ng kanilang protesta ay mag-destabilize," Castro said.

(Surely, the purpose of their protest is not to destabilize the government.)

Castro likewise said the Palace has received no information that INC leaders have directly communicated with Marcos regarding their clamor.

She reiterated that the administration respects the rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and protest, provided participants comply with the law. — VDV, GMA News