Malacañang expressed hopes that the peace rally held by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) would bring clarity on issues the country is facing.
In a statement on Monday, Jan. 13, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said he hoped that aside from bringing clarity to the issued in the country, the rally would also lead to unity.
"Higit sa lahat, umaasa kami na ang mga ipapahayag 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 (Above all, we hope that opinions that would be made will help in clarifying the issues the country is facing and would bring the unity that we aspire)," Bersamin said.
The Executive Secretary stressed that by listening and scrutinizing all sides of certain issues would bring clarity.
"We view today’s assemblies as part of the national conversation we should be having as a people to bring clarity and consensus on issues that face us all and affect our future," Bersamin said.
While the Palace official believed that there is no doubt the rally would be conducted orderly, peacefully, and significantly, he ordered all government agencies to ensure that peace is maintained.
He also noted that the Marcos administration upholds the right of the people to peacefully assemble.
"To peaceably assemble is a bedrock right guaranteed by our Constitution, cherished by our people, and consistently upheld by this administration," Bersamin said. "All government agencies are, therefore, ordered that this right to be exercised today by our Iglesia ni Cristo brethren should not be impaired."
"In this light, agencies concerned with the maintenance of peace and order, as well as with traffic and transportation management, including emergency health services, should be ready to provide assistance whenever such is needed by their fellow citizens," Bersamin added.
According to the INC, the rally serves as a call for unity and to set aside political divisions in favor of a shared vision of peace.