Thousands of members of the influential Philippine religious sect Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) converged on a major Manila thoroughfare on Tuesday, causing severe traffic disruptions in a protest against the impending graft charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a church member and ally of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Protest Erupts Over Graft Charges
The demonstration came a day after government ombudsman Jesus Remulla announced that Marcoleta would be charged with failing to declare 75 million pesos ($1.2 million) in unused campaign contributions. The senator, a staunch Duterte supporter, is expected to be a key vote in the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte, which begins July 6.
Police estimated the crowd at around 12,000 by early afternoon, with numbers expected to grow. Regional police spokeswoman Hazel Asilo warned of continued traffic congestion into the night.
Church Mobilization and Loyalty
Protesters told AFP they were contacted late Monday night via text, phone calls, and Telegram messages. Rodel Gundrean, 56, described it as a “lightning protest,” saying, “As you know, the Iglesia ni Cristo is just one body. With just one command, everybody will follow.” Marc Raeden Quemada, 26, said he had been at the protest since 6:00 am and would stay “until we’re told to go home.”
The INC, a powerful voting bloc historically aligned with the Duterte political dynasty, has held massive rallies in the past. In November, hundreds of thousands gathered to demand accountability over a flood control corruption scandal, primarily blaming President Ferdinand Marcos. Earlier in 2025, the church opposed the mooted impeachment of Duterte, which was later reversed by the Supreme Court. However, Duterte was impeached again last month by the House of Representatives.
Selective Justice Allegations
INC spokesman Edwil Zabala, in a video message ahead of the rally, called for “transparency” in supporting Marcoleta. “We want to let them know that selective justice is an injustice and we will not remain silent,” he said. Vice President Duterte echoed this sentiment, accusing the Marcos administration of having “weaponized the justice system” against its critics.
The charges against Marcoleta come amid a broader crackdown on Duterte allies. Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada faces charges over his alleged role in the flood control scandal, and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is in hiding after narrowly avoiding arrest on an International Criminal Court warrant for his role in the drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Government Response and Trial Implications
President Marcos canceled all events outside the presidential palace on Tuesday to monitor the situation. The Senate trial of Vice President Duterte, set to begin July 6, requires 16 votes in the 24-seat chamber to convict and remove her from office, permanently barring her from elected positions. Marcoleta is seen as almost certain to vote against conviction.
