Several members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) refuted circulating social media claims that participants to the group’s rally at the Quirino Grandstand were paid P3,000 each to attend.

In a video released on Monday, Nov. 17, through the official INC News and Updates Facebook page, members denied the allegation and said they joined the event voluntarily.

“Wala pong bayad sa amin dito (We don’t get paid here),” one member said.

“Ang dami pong kapatid na nandito. P3,000 per head? Nagpapatawa po kayo. Baka kami pa ang magbigay ng P3,000 (There are so many Iglesia Ni Cristo brothers and sisters here today. Then, P3,000 per head? You’re kidding. Some of our brothers and sisters here said, We can give you that P3,000),” another one added.

Others echoed the same sentiment:

“Kami yung nagkusang pumunta dito (We came here of our own volition).”

“Wala pong bayad, kusang loob. Masaya kami at nakikipagkaisa sa gawaing ito (There’s no payment involved—this is voluntary. We’re happy to be here and to stand united in this cause),”

“Wala pong katotohanan yon, hindi po kami nagpapabayad (That claim isn’t true; we are not being paid),” the protester said.

One participant said he joined out of civic duty.

“Sabihin na lang natin na isa din ako sa mga nagbabayad ng buwis, kaya medyo galit at saka nalulungkot. Nandito ako, dinala ako ng damdamin ko bilang isang Pilipino (Let’s just say I’m also a taxpayer, so I feel upset and saddened. I’m here because my heart brought me here—as a Filipino),” the member said. 

The clarification came after social media posts alleged that INC members were financially compensated to fill the venue.

The names of the members interviewed were not disclosed in the video.

The religious group is holding a three-day protest from Nov. 16 to 18 to call for accountability and transparency over alleged irregularities in government projects.