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The “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy” that the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) initially set to be held for three days at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines was concluded a day early, on November 17, 2025.
“Taking into consideration the speed and extent of media coverage, both local and international, that the rally generated, it did not need three days to achieve the goal of sending the message that we are calling for justice, accountability, transparency, and peace,” said INC spokesperson and minister of the gospel Brother Edwil D. Zabala.
Day 1: Reiterating the reasons
On Day 1, the INC emphasized the importance of transparency towards a better democracy. The government owes the public a just and open investigation on the corruption scandal—in accordance with the law, without anyone bending or twisting it; and it must be done to identify all the personalities involved, and when proven guilty be held accountable and the stolen funds be returned to the public coffers.
The INC made it clear that although it is calling for transparency and accountability, it does not want to bring down the government—only corruption. Thus, to resolve the current problem, INC rejects any solution that goes against the Philippine Constitution, such as rebellion, coup d’etat, snap elections, and establishment of civilian-military junta.
These were made clear—to those gathered at the said venue and those who followed the event through live TV and radio broadcast, and via different social media platforms—by speakers on Day 1: Brother Arnel Tumanan, Brother Edwil Zabala, and Brother Bienvenido Santiago Jr., ministers of the gospel. Senator Rodante Marcoleta, also made a speech calling people’s attention on efforts of some personalities who do not push for the nation’s desire for transparency.
Day 2: A growing crowd
The number of attendees during Day 1, which government agencies pegged at 650,000, at the height of the rally, did not shrink as thousands of INC members from as far north as Ilocos Norte and Cagayan, to the southernmost province of Luzon, Sorsogon, as well as from those in Palawan, flocked to the venue of the rally on Day 2.
Not minding the scorching heat of the sun and the intermittent rains experienced on both days, rallyists remained in their places on open-field venue—from the Quirino Grandstand to all of the Luneta Park and surrounding places—to show firm their stand on the rally’s message to those concern.
Brother Rommel Topacio, a minister of the gospel, read part of the Constitution stating that “public officers and employees must always be accountable to the people, serve with the utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency …” (Art. XI, Sec. 1). They must do that which are expected to them. After all, it is none other than the Filipino people who put them in office.
Later that day, after the other speeches, the event organizers announced that the protest action has been concluded. And as it began with a prayer to God, at the end of the activity, a prayer was also said.
Remarks of attendees
“I was taken by surprise, upon learning there’s no more rally tomorrow. But that’s fine if what we did for two days straight has already been enough to convey our thoughts and sentiments to the government,” said Light of Salvation (LOS) secretary and schoolteacher Wendy Rose Bosito from Sampaguita Village Congregation, Marikina District.
“The voice of the Filipino wanting to see an end to the corruption was heard all over the world,” said newly baptized Perla Pascua from Alfonso Lista Congregation, Isabela South District.
“It felt satisfying being among those who united in this activity. After all, I myself am a taxpayer, so I think it’s natural that I seek for the proper use of taxes in government projects,” said Children’s Worship Service (CWS) teacher and bookkeeper Camille Joy Cagungao from Capas Congregation, Capas, Tarlac District.
‘We’re INC’
No untoward incident in the main venue was reported. Emergencies were properly dealt with by the Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society officers; communication and orderliness made possible by concerted efforts of the Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) officers and the police. “Praises be to God. He kept us safe all throughout the event,” enthused SCAN officer Steven Macula of Pasong Tamo Congregation, Central District.
Known to be disciplined, especially when they conduct large gatherings like this rally, INC members pooled their efforts once again in making the Quirino Grandstand and all of Rizal Park clean prior to their going back to respective districts located across the country.
On November 18, the INC published a statement on the conclusion of the Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy. –- With reports from Jerome Comaoay, Vince Basco, Kyle Arellano, Fherdz Garcia, and Justine Patio
This is the updated version of the news posted in the pasugo.com.ph about the INC Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy.
