INC rally calls for actions vs corrupt government officials

MANILA, Philippines, November 17 ------ Despite intermittent rains, attendees continued to stream into the Quirino Grandstand grounds and surrounding areas as the three-day Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally started yesterday in Manila.

On its first day, the crowd, calling for transparency and accountability in government, swelled to an estimated 650,000 as of 6 p.m., according to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. During the opening program, Bienvenido Santiago Jr., general evangelist of INC, addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the rally was not a political event but a peaceful demonstration calling for transparency, accountability and good governance. “We want to make it clear that this is not just about politics,” Santiago said. “This is our exercise of our right to freely express ourselves. The Church of Christ joins fellow citizens concerned about corruption and flood-control projects carried out by senior government officials. We stand united with Filipinos across the country and the world in calling for transparency, accountability and peace.”

He underscored that the INC rejects all extreme or unconstitutional measures – including revolution, a revolutionary government, coup d’état, snap elections and the creation of a civilian-military junta – stressing that any actions taken must be just and in full accordance with the Constitution. Santiago said the INC opposes any move that could lead to violence or chaos, insisting that all solutions must be pursued legally and peacefully. He clarified that the INC does not seek the downfall of the government as an institution, but instead calls for the eradication of corruption and the establishment of a clean, honest and pro-people government, emphasizing that it is the bad leaders and corrupt officials who should be removed.

Santiago also highlighted the economic impact of corruption, pointing to halted infrastructure loans and weak investor confidence. “South Korea’s President halted an infrastructure loan for the Philippines due to corruption concerns. At the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, no country pledged investments. Our stock market is the world’s worst performer because of government scandals,” he said.

Santiago urged the government to take concrete action on transparency and accountability: “Investigations should be public, those proven guilty of corruption should be punished regardless of their position and stolen wealth must be returned to fund programs and services for the people.”

Source: philstar.com