By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) does not take sides in the political rift between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, Sagip Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta said on Friday.
“The INC does not take sides. That is a categorical answer there,” Marcoleta, a prominent member of the INC, said in an interview with the Bilyonaryo News Channel’s At The Forefront.
“The INC would not take sides. The INC would like to see people like the Vice President and the President work together. That is the essence of good government,” he added.
The statement comes ahead of the INC’s National Rally for Peace at the Quirino Grandstand on Jan. 13, which is expected to draw about 1 million participants, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Marcoleta said the rally aims to promote peace and unity amid political tensions.
“I think it is only a peace rally advocating… 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,” he said.
“Because INC believes that peace can only be achieved by uniting our people, and this unity can be best demonstrated by our leaders,” he added.
Three impeachment complaints have been filed against Duterte in 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.
Marcos earlier said he does not support calls for Duterte’s impeachment as it would not help the Filipino people.
Asked if the INC supports either Marcos or Duterte in their political dispute, Marcoleta reiterated the organization’s neutrality.
“There was no pronouncement made to that effect,” he said.
Malacañang has suspended government work and classes in the cities of Manila and Pasay on Jan. 13 to ensure the smooth conduct of the event through Memorandum Circular (MC) No.76.
Agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and those performing vital services will remain operational during the said date.
Meanwhile, private companies have been given the discretion to suspend work.
The MMDA announced the deployment of 1,300 personnel to manage traffic and ensure public safety during the event. (PNA)
