Senators have expressed support for the aim of the “National Rally for Peace” organized by the religious organization Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).
Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said in a statement on Monday, Jan. 13, that a prayer rally for peace and unity in the country, for him, is non-debatable and even stated: "Who wouldn't want that?"
"I surely want that and a huge majority of our people as well, whether they are physically present at the prayer rally today or not are demanding for nothing less among our leaders at the very least," he said.
"I do not find it productive not helpful to throw nor address questions or issues which seek to diminish a much needed call for peace and unity in our country at this time," he added.
Escudero said that he wouldn't be attending the peace rally but he was approached by the INC for a short vide message.
Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos said that the event is not against the separation between the Church and the State.
"The peace rally is sanctioned, and in fact, encouraged, by the Free Speech clause of our Constitution," she added.
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go also supported the INC's call for peace and unity.
"Magkaisa tayo para makapagtrabaho na tayo nang maayos para sa bayan at makapagserbisyo sa kapwa natin Pilipino lalo na sa mga mahihirap dahil marami pong mga kababayan natin ang nangangailangan ng tulong (Let's unite so we can work efficiently for the country and serve our fellow Filipinos, especially those who are in need, because many of our compatriots require assistance)," he said in a statement.
He thanked the INC members led by its Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo for the significant opportunity to show the importance of peace and unity in the country.
"Ang peace rally ng Iglesia Ni Cristo ay hindi lamang po para sa mga miyembro nito, kundi para sa lahat ng Pilipino na nagnanais ng kapayapaan. Kaisa ninyo ako sa hangaring ito bilang inyong senador na nais lamang maipagpatuloy ang malasakit at pagseserbisyo sa mga kapwa Pilipino (The peace rally of Iglesia Ni Cristo is not only for its members but for all Filipinos who desire peace. I stand with you in this aspiration as your senator, who only wishes to continue showing concern and serving fellow Filipinos)," he added.
Among the other senators, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino would also be attending the peace rally as well as Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa.
Tolentino said that the call for peace and unity is truly fitting, especially as we enter the new year of 2025, and that the theme of unity is indeed appropriate for every home, village, community, local government unit, and the entire nation.
"Ang tema ngayon ay kapayapaan at pagkakaisa, walang politika. Kaya ang aking pagdalo rito ay para sa pagkakaisa at malawakang pagkakaunawaan ng lahat ng ating kababayan, kahit na anong partido ang kinagagalawan, kahit ano po ang saloobin, tama ang panawagan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo na isa lamang ang bandila ng Pilipinas," he said in a chance interview (The theme today is peace and unity, without politics. Therefore, my attendance here is for the sake of unity and a broad understanding among all our fellow citizens, regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs. The Iglesia Ni Cristo's call is correct: there is only one flag for the Philippines)," he said.
He also stressed that he was there is to support the event being promoted by the brotherhood of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, and expressed belief that it is a right and important step at the start of the new year to show and make everyone feel that we need unity.
An estimated crowd of 1,259,601 was recorded by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Office (DRRMO) as of 11 a.m. at the Quirino Grandstand.
The INC earlier announced that the peace rally was meant to express support for President Marcos Jr.’s position against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Duterte is currently facing three impeachment complaints over her alleged misuse of public funds, an allegation which she vehemently denied.