650,000 INC members rally for transparency and accountability

An estimated 650,000 Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) members gathered at the Quirino Grandstand starting yesterday, November 16, for a three-day event called a "Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy."

The rally aims to express sentiments and join public calls against alleged large-scale corruption involving government officials, with members emphasizing their call for accountability in government.

INC spokesperson Brother Edwil Zabala clarified that the rally is a peaceful expression of sentiment and a push for transparency in ongoing investigations into corruption.

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.

Santiago stressed 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.

The church seeks a fair and transparent investigation into all individuals implicated in corrupt activities and demands that those found guilty be held accountable, with stolen funds recovered and returned to the national treasury.

Members emphasized that they have not been paid to attend the rally.