Enrile calls INC rally 'political pressure'

Chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile reiterated on Sunday his view that last week's Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) peace rally was a form of 'political pressure' aimed at discouraging the executive branch from fulfilling its constitutional duties.

Enrile argued that while the rally was peaceful, it lacked legitimate grievances and appeared to hinder the government's ability to perform its duties as outlined in the constitution.

He emphasized that only the President has the authority to coordinate with other branches of government for effective governance and noted that speeches at the rally indicated an attempt to pressure the executive branch.

The INC maintained that their rally, attended by around 1.8 million people nationwide on January 14, was not political but a moral call to government officials.

INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala declined to comment when reached out by GMA News Online.

Enrile had previously questioned the INC's support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s stance against impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte and warned that giving in to implied arguments made during the rally could set a detrimental precedent.