MANILA – Malacañang expressed optimism that the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) National Rally for Peace held across the country on Monday would help guide the nation toward lasting unity and progress.
According to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the Palace viewed the assembly as part of the national conversation for the people to bring clarity and consensus on issues the country is currently facing.
“To peaceably assemble is a bedrock right guaranteed by our Constitution, cherished by our people, and consistently upheld by this administration,” Bersamin said in a statement on Monday.
“Umaasa kami na ang mga pahayag na mga opinyon ay makakatulong sa paglilinaw sa mga usaping kinakaharap ng ating bansa at maghahatid sa atin sa tunay na pagkakaisa na ating inaasam,” he added.
“Sa pagkilatis at pakikinig lamang sa lahat ng panig sa isang usapin ang siyang magdudulot ng kalinawan na ating hinahanap,” the Palace official further said.
Meanwhile, a prominent member of INC stated that the religious sect’s peaceful assembly was not aimed at taking sides between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
“The INC does not take sides. That is a categorical answer there,” Sagip party-list’s Cong. Rodante Marcoleta said in an interview with the Bilyonaryo News Channel’s At The Forefront program.
“The INC would not take sides. The INC would like to see people like the Vice President and the President work together. That is the essence of good government,” he added.
Marcoleta further said that the INC rally aims to promote peace and unity amid political tensions.
“I think it is only a peace rally advocating… it’s a rally for peace, that’s all. I think the INC wants to send a message across the nation that peace is a factor in achieving development and progress in this country,” Marcoleta said.
“Because INC believes that peace can only be achieved by uniting our people, and this unity can be best demonstrated by our leaders,” he added./PN
