3-day INC-led ‘Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy’ kicks off

A noble cause

It may be recalled that on October 7, Brother Eduardo Manalo, Executive Minister of the Church, released a statement to the media addressing reports of extensive corruption in the government’s flood control and other infrastructure projects. He urged that the ongoing investigation be conducted with fairness, justice, and full transparency so that those responsible for the massive loss of public funds—estimated to be in trillions of pesos—would be held accountable, especially as many Filipinos continue to struggle with poverty.

In an interview, INC spokesperson and minister of the gospel Brother Edwil D. Zabala, said, “This November 16-18 rally is not to interfere in politics but to express our sentiment and lend the voice of the Iglesia Ni Cristo to the calls of many of our countrymen condemning the enormous evil involving many government officials. The call of the Iglesia Ni Cristo is part of the citizens’ right to express themselves, which is guaranteed by our Constitution.”

The rally’s main program on the first day is scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m., with ministers of the gospel from the Church expected to speak.

“Nonmembers whose proposed speeches align with the INC’s call are also welcome,” added Brother Zabala.

“One of the commandments of God is to submit to the Church Administration that He has placed in the Church,” explained John James Familara, a Children’s Worship Service (CWS) teacher from the Cutud Congregation, Pampanga North District and also an accountant. “I believe that it is God’s will that this peaceful movement be carried out. Like us, the Church Administration is also aware of the corruption and wrongdoing in the use of public funds and how these affect the Filipinos, including the Church members.”

Also one with many Filipinos, Oliver Adriano, an area overseer in Quiapo Congregation, Manila District, stated his intention for joining the rally: “It is only reasonable for us to  initiate this kind of movement. This serves as a wake-up call for all government officials to do their jobs properly so that Filipinos could have a better quality of life.”

Safety and orderliness

Event organizers disclosed that, just like the “National Rally for Peace” spearheaded by the Church 10 months ago, on January 13, which was conducted successfully and peacefully at the same venue and 12 other sites nationwide, the three-day rally for transparency and accountability in government has secured permits from both local and national authorities.

As early as the afternoon of November 15, officers from the Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) were deployed to ensure safety throughout the event. According to the SCAN Office, more than 9,000 officers have been stationed at strategic points, including streets surrounding the venue, to manage the expected overflow of participants. Joining them today, November 16, are around 1,500 officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS) volunteered their services in case of emergencies. Fortunately, no untoward incidents so far has been reported from morning to afternoon on the first day of the rally. 

Collective sentiments

“We’ve heard and seen enough. At first, it seemed encouraging when the investigation into the widespread corruption in the government’s flood control projects began. But suddenly, … the Filipino people can see that the narrative is being distorted. We cannot allow that—especially when this involves the large-scale theft of public funds,” said Abelardo Fabellon Jr., a Church officer from the Masaging 1 Congregation, Mindoro Oriental District. “We are calling for a fair and transparent investigation. Corrupt officials must be held accountable, … and compelled to return the money they stole.”

“This action reflects our desire as citizens to stand against the wrongdoing in our government. It sends a message that we are aware of what is happening and that we refuse to stay silent. Through this movement, we hope to remind our leaders that public service must always come before personal interest,” said Terry Hermosa, a finance officer who traveled 14 hours from the Local Congregation of Aparri, Ecclesiastical District of Cagayan East, to the Quirino Grandstand to show support for the call of the Church Administration.

“As a farmer and with the recent calamities that greatly affected us, I believe that exercising my right as a Filipino is timely,” said Gerardo Salvador, one of the head deacons in Local Congregation of Piddig, District of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. “I am one with the expression of the grievances of my fellow citizens especially those who lost a lot because of  some corrupt government officials. They must know that they must answer to the evil they’ve done.”

“I am not a member of the Church Of Christ, but I stand with what they are fighting for. That is why, to show my concern for our country, I joined the INC rally. What our government leaders are doing is not what good public officials should be doing for their constituents, and they must be held accountable for it,” said Reggie Deo from San Juan, Metro Manila.

A Church officer from the Guisad Local Congregation, Benguet Ecclesiastical District, Althea Louise Daludado, said, “As someone who works at a law firm, the law should not be bent. Our leaders should abide by them. Justice should be exacted to those who break the law. Our rally today is an echo of the groan of the Filipino people hammered by calamities made worse by massive corruption of the nation’s funds. We should not remain silent as what the Bible teaches that as we avoid evil, we should also bring to light those who do them.”

“We’re this nation’s citizens after all. Expressing ourselves is our right, as guaranteed by our Constitution,” said nonmember Albert Rivera of San Juan City, Metro Manila. Informed by INC members from the San Juan Congregation, Metro Manila East District, he agreed right away when he was invited to come along.

“I hope that this rally, through the speeches, will open the awareness of many concerning the importance of transparency in the government,” expressed Andrea Malite, a finance officer from the Congregation of Biga, District of Dasmariñas City, Cavite. “I also hope that this will be a way for the government to hear the appeal of our countrymen for an open investigation and lawful process towards a better democracy standing firm in justice and truth.” — With reports from Noel V. Deligero Jr., Jose Primo T. Rivera Jr., Erraniel Angelo B. Dosdos