Wazzup Pilipinas!?
On January 13, 2025, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) held its so-called National Rally for Peace, an event that, despite its purported message of unity and reconciliation, seemed more like a grand political maneuver aimed at consolidating power and influence. While the rally was publicly framed as a call for peace, it quickly became apparent that it was less about national harmony and more about leveraging the church’s considerable following to further the interests of certain political figures, as well as to pressure the government into submission.
A Disguised Political Campaign
Though the INC presented the rally as a spiritual event, the attendance of numerous high-profile political figures, including Vice President Sara Duterte, Senators Francis Tolentino, Bato Dela Rosa, and Robin Padilla, painted a different picture. Instead of using their platform to genuinely advocate for peace, these politicians appeared to be exploiting the rally for their own political gain. It was as though they were using the large turnout and the media coverage of the event as a tool for campaigning under the guise of promoting national unity.
Vice President Sara Duterte, known for her controversial political tactics, was one of the most prominent figures at the rally. Her participation in the event seemed less about the cause of peace and more about leveraging the INC's vast political clout. Duterte’s appearance at the rally felt more like a political endorsement than a true call for reconciliation. As a key figure in the current administration, her presence at the rally raised suspicions that she was not only attending to support peace but to also appeal to INC supporters, positioning herself for future political leverage.
Similarly, Senators Bato Dela Rosa and Robin Padilla, both influential figures with a history of close ties to the Duterte administration, seemed more concerned with enhancing their political profiles than advocating for peace. Their attendance underscored the rally’s political undertones, as both senators have long been associated with controversial policies, including those that have undermined accountability in government. By aligning themselves with such a high-profile event, they appeared to be reinforcing their ties to a powerful political faction, hoping to secure continued support from the INC's loyal followers.
A Show of Force, Not Peace
Despite its claims of promoting peace, the rally quickly morphed into what could only be described as a show of force. The INC, with its massive following, used the event to send a clear message to both the government and the public: We are a powerful group, and we expect to be reckoned with. The sheer size of the rally, which attracted an estimated 1.8 million people at the Quirino Grandstand, was not merely a testament to the INC’s reach but an assertion of its ability to mobilize large numbers for political purposes.
Rather than advocating for national reconciliation, the rally seemed designed to send a subtle yet unmistakable warning to the government—particularly to those in positions of power who may not align with the INC's interests. By drawing attention to the size and organization of their rally, the INC appeared to be reminding politicians of the influence the church holds, effectively pressuring them to curry favor with the organization if they wish to secure support in future elections.
This raised important questions about the true purpose of the rally: Was it really a call for peace, or was it an elaborate strategy to increase the INC’s political influence, possibly in preparation for upcoming elections or to sway political decisions in its favor? The rally's tone and the attendance of several political figures suggested that it was more about showcasing the INC's power than promoting any genuine peace-building effort.
Undermining Accountability in Government
Another troubling aspect of the rally was its apparent alignment with the interests of those who have been accused of undermining accountability in the government. The presence of Vice President Sara Duterte, a figure whose administration has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, seemed to endorse a political culture of irregularities. By participating in the rally, Duterte and other politicians were not only capitalizing on the INC's influence but also signaling to the public that they were willing to overlook questionable actions in exchange for political support.
This creates a dangerous precedent where political figures, in their desperation for votes and backing, align themselves with powerful groups like the INC—groups that may not always have the best interests of the nation at heart. In this context, the rally became less about advocating for peace and more about defending and enabling the status quo, where accountability takes a backseat to political expediency.
Instead of promoting national reconciliation, the rally seemed to serve as a platform for endorsing a government system where power and influence trump the need for transparency and integrity. If the rally is any indication of the direction in which the nation is headed, it appears that the Philippines is on the brink of becoming a country where political maneuvering, rather than good governance, will dictate the future.
The Danger of Supporting Irregularities in Governance
The real harm of the National Rally for Peace lies not just in its political overtones but in the way it implicitly supports the erosion of accountability within the government. By aligning themselves with political figures who have been accused of engaging in questionable governance practices, the INC, knowingly or unknowingly, helps perpetuate a system where corruption and lack of transparency thrive.
Such a rally, rather than contributing to the healing of divisions in the nation, only deepens the political divide. It sends a dangerous message that power, influence, and the ability to mobilize large crowds can be used to evade accountability and legitimate criticism. For the Philippines to progress as a nation, it is crucial that rallies and political events genuinely work toward creating a transparent and accountable government, not one that is strengthened by the backing of powerful, influential organizations.
Conclusion: A Rally for Peace? Or a Rally for Power?
Ultimately, the Iglesia Ni Cristo National Rally for Peace on January 13, 2025, revealed much about the intersection of religion and politics in the Philippines. What was presented as a peaceful call for unity was, in reality, a political maneuver designed to enhance the INC’s influence and power. The involvement of political figures, particularly those with questionable track records regarding transparency and accountability, only added to the suspicion that the rally was less about peace and more about securing political leverage.
In a nation where governance often intersects with religious and political influence, rallies like this one contribute to the dangerous normalization of irregularities and the erosion of the public’s trust in the government. Instead of fostering a culture of peace, this event seemed to reinforce a status quo that thrives on power, manipulation, and the suppression of accountability.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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