ASIA/PHILIPPINES – Followers of the “Iglesia Ni Cristo” take to the streets: they demand “justice, accountability, transparency”

Manila – With an impressive demonstration that drew over 300,000 people to the streets of Manila over two days, the “Iglesia Ni Cristo” , a powerful Philippine Christian evangelical religious organization, demanded justice, accountability, and transparency from government officials regarding investigations into flood control projects marred by corruption. In a statement released today, the INC announced that the “Demonstration for transparency and a better democracy,” originally scheduled for three days , was concluded after two days, as this was deemed sufficient to “convey the message of justice, accountability, transparency, and peace.”
The religious group thanked its members who participated in the action and acknowledged that no violence occurred during the protest. It was reaffirmed that they reject “unconstitutional initiatives” or attempts to overthrow the government of elected President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but instead advocate for “the government taking decisive action against the rampant corruption.” Meanwhile, in light of the evangelical church’s demonstration, Archbishop Socrates Villegas of Lingayen-Dagupan warned against “false prophets and ambitious adventurers offering quick fixes,” stating that “such promises often mask selfish political motives rather than concern for the common good of the country.” Peace, he said, “comes from justice and dialogue, not from ambition or violence disguised as heroism.”
The Trillion Peso March Movement forum, led by Catholic representatives and the organizer of the anti-corruption demonstration in Manila on September 21, announced another demonstration for November 29. Due to urgent demands, two Philippine government ministers have resigned after being implicated in alleged bribery related to flood control projects. Lucas Bersamin, the government’s executive secretary, and Budget Minister Amenah Pangandaman stepped down on November 17 after their ministries were implicated in the irregularities currently under investigation. The Iglesia Ni Cristo was founded in the Philippines in 1914 by Felix Manalo, revered by its followers as the “Last Messenger of God.” Today, it is led by Eduardo Manalo, Felix Manalo’s grandson and successor to his father, Eraño. The organization, with over three million members in the country, has a strong considerable cultural and political influence, acquired and expanded in part through a media empire built on ownership of some 300 television networks, 63 radio stations, newspapers, film studios, churches, universities, private schools, and large real estate properties. The INC possesses powerful political connections and maintains a strong consensus-building network: in the last legislative term, it supported President Rodrigo Duterte. Thanks to its more than 10,000 Filipino expatriates worldwide, the INC has spread to over 130 countries and has more than 350 communities in the United States.

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