The peaceful gathering led by Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members concluded Thursday night, July 2, at the Liwasang Bonifacio, in Ermita, Manila. The three-day protest which was initially held at the People Power Monument in Quezon City was joined by thousands not only from the ranks of INC members but from other groups and religious persuasions as well.

More people, Church members and nonmembers alike, gave voice to the call for those in the government to pursue, as they should, an objective investigation into the flood control scandal. This is a timely call as it has been widely observed that the government has instead become busy trying to silence those who want to expose the masterminds of the massive corruption. One of those they intend to muzzle is Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee from July to September 2025, who in such capacity launched an investigation into the matter.  

On the final day of the protest rally, Greco Belgica, former chairman of the now dissolved Presidential Anti-Corruption Committee, delivered a speech.

“Ang tunay na anomalya ngayon ay hindi ang [ukol] kay Senador Rodante Marcoleta … [kundi] ang pagkakabali-baliko at pinipilipit na … batas sa ilalim ng rehimeng ito para mabilanggo ang isang kritiko na nagbubunyag sa kanilang katiwalian (True anomaly is not that of being hurled against Senator Rodante Marcoleta… [but] the bending and twisting of the law under this regime to imprison critic who exposes their corruption),” he said. “Dahil sa … double standard [sa pagpapatupad ng batas], kung saan ang administrasyon ay protektado habang ang oposisyon ay pinatatahimik, nawalan na ng tiwala ang taong bayan sa lideratong ito (Because of the government’s double standard [in implementing the law], wherein those of the administration are protected and of the opposition silenced, citizens have lost their trust to this leadership).”

Afterwards, Brother Israel Solano, a minister of the gospel, underscored, speaking in Filipino, that corruption “not only took the hard-earned incomes of many Filipino households, but their future and of the youth, as well.”

Expressing concern for the ordinary people, he also said, as translated, “If they can persecute those in high positions, such as a senator, what more a common Filipino?” Hence, he shouted the true intent of the peaceful gatherings held since their first day: “We are here to remind them [the government] that such is unrighteous!”

Before ending his speech, Brother Solano called on the government to conduct a fair implementation of the law. He pointed out, “Those who seek the truth are threatened with imprisonment while the masterminds of these corruptions have not even been investigated.”

Later on, an official announcement from Brother Edwil Zabala, the Church’s spokesman, was broadcast, declaring that the peaceful rally was being concluded.

The announcement extended gratitude to everyone who participated in the three-day peaceful rally, to the speakers, as well as to the police and local government authorities who ensured the activity’s safety and security.

Before the gathering finally dispersed, Senator Robin Padilla delivered a speech. The senator, who said that even he has been targeted by a lawsuit at this sensitive time, is a testament to the previous speakers’ message: while critics of the government are being targeted, no charges have been filed against those behind the anomalous flood control scams despite clear evidences. Hence, the rally’s call for transparency, accountability, justice, and peace.

The protest rally may have ended but, as declared in the statement of the Iglesia Ni Cristo conveyed by Brother Zabala over NET25, those concerned may continue their move to imprison Senator Marcoleta but the Filipino people, including Iglesia Ni Cristo members, will continue to be on the watch on those who seem to be eager to derail the flood control investigations. As many speakers pointed out, the crusade against corruption is a concern of every Filipino no matter their religion. — With assistance from Noel V. Deligero Jr., Jerome Adonis P. Comaoay, Eranniel Angelo B. Dosdos, Claidenn C. Villar, and Allaen Raey C. Vejerano