Senator Francis Tolentino on Sunday, January 12 said he supports the Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) “National Rally for Peace” happening tomorrow, January 13, in Manila as it is a “timely and vital reminder” for the country to come in unity.
“This initiative is a timely and vital reminder of the need for unity, dialogue, and harmony amidst the challenges our nation faces,” Tolentino said in a statement on Sunday, January 12.
“The Rally for Peace reflects the shared desire of Filipinos for understanding and cooperation, transcending divisions for the common good,” he said.
“I commend the Iglesia ni Cristo for leading this effort and inspiring us all to work together for a more peaceful and united Philippines,” added the lawmaker.
In a radio interview on Saturday, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he believes INC’s peace rally would make politicians and government officials think carefully about supporting the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Currently there are three impeachment complaints against her pending at the House of Representatives, alleging she misused millions of worth of confidential funds as vice president and as then Department of Education (DepEd) secretary.
Gatchalian pointed out the INC, a religious sect, has a “homegrown” 2.8 million followers and has been known for practicing bloc voting during elections.
Still, the peace rally, would be a good reminder for the people to set aside politics and focus on the most pressing problems of the nation.
“If the message is ‘set aside politics and support the President’s pronouncement,’ I think many will think twice, especially among local officials, because we all know that INC’s support is a very important aspect of the campaign,” he said.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa also welcomed the INC’s peace rally saying it is well within their rights to exercise their freedom of expression.
“Lahat naman tayo ay may karapatan na magpalabas ng ating damdamin sa (All of us have the right to release our opinion through) freedom of expression. So, gustong magpahayag ng simbahan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo, ng kanilang saloobin (The INC Church wants to say something). So, we admire that. That is an exercise of our democratic rights,” Dela Rosa stressed, also in a radio interview on Saturday.