Manila, Philippines — The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) launched its three-day anti-corruption rallies today, November 16, at the Quirino Grandstand, with an estimated 650,000 participants as of 6:00 PM, Nov. 16 according to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).
The peaceful assembly aims to call attention to alleged wrongdoing in government and to promote transparency and better governance.
This year, government-initiated flood mitigation projects through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have been criticized for alleged mismanagement, delayed implementation, and questionable fund allocations, even as Filipinos continue to suffer the impacts of strong typhoons.
As of now, investigations into the alleged corruption are still ongoing, but no one has been jailed yet, which has frustrated the public.
In his speech, INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala expressed their call for accountability.
He emphasized that the ongoing investigation into large-scale misuse of public funds must be conducted honestly and openly.
“Walang pamarisan! Kaya sa isasagawang imbestigasyon tungkol sa napakalaking nakawan sa kaban ng bayan. Ang ating panawagan…maging tapat…maging lantad. ‘Wag ikubli ang mga guilty sa kumot ng kasinungalingan at pagtatakipan,”
“Pero nakakabahala..may ilan sa mga nasa gobyerno…miyda, mga abogado, at political analyst..na tila nais baluktutin ang batas para pagtakpan ang mga sangkot sa korapsyon,” he said.
He also criticized the handling of witnesses in the investigation, pointing out that those helping to uncover the masterminds of corruption are being unfairly targeted.
“Ngayong tumutulong pa sa imbestigasyon para mapalitaw ang puno’t dulo ng katakot-takot na nakawan sa gobyerno, ay siya pang sinisiraan. Hindi po ba masyadong halatang conserted effort ang mga ito para baluktutan ang katotohanan at iligtas ang mga pinakanakinabang sa nakawan,” Zabala emphasized.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta also joined the event, voicing his support for INC’s campaign for accountability.
He said he stands with the church in calling for “transparency, accountability, at justice” to fight corruption in government.