Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go has lauded the Iglesia Ni Cristo for continuing their support for former president Rodrigo Duterte and his family amid the political tension following his detention at the Hague.

Go, in particular, thanked the INC for its firm and balanced stand, urging Filipinos to prioritize unity, uphold the rule of law and allow legal institutions to function independently amid mounting challenges.

With the country facing a sensitive and complicated issue, restraint, mutual respect, and confidence in the legal framework are urgently needed to avoid any instability, Go said.

“Sa ganitong panahon ng kaguluhan at pagdududa, napakahalaga ng mga boses na naninindigan para sa batas at kapayapaan. Unahin po natin ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino at ipaglaban ang interes ng bayan (In these times of chaos and doubt, the voices of those who are steadfast towards justice and peace are very important),” Go said in a video message.

“Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay pagkakaisa at pagkilala sa proseso ng ating batas. Meron naman tayong mga korte na nananatiling malaya at functional (what we need right now is unity and recognition of our legal processes. We have courts that remain independent and functional),” he affirmed.

The INC, known for its role in Philippine elections through its system of bloc voting, earlier chided the government for not listening to its calls for “unity and peace” which they showcased during the INC’s National Rally for Peace held last January 13.

“When the rally was held, the call was for peace and unity and to prioritize the country's problems. Those in charge did not listen, which is why what is happening now happened," said INC’s spokesperson Edwil Zaballa said.

Go echoed this sentiment as he urged Filipinos to remain focused on what unites rather than divides them.

“At sa kabila ng mga hamon ng panahon, dala ng pagkakaiba ng opinyon dahil sa mga nagaganap sa ating bansa, dalangin ko na hindi tayo magkawatak-watak (And despite the challenges of the times, brought about by differences of opinion due to what is happening in our country, I pray that we will not be divided),” Go said.

“Dalangin ko na manaig ang kapayapaan, pagmamahalan at malasakit sa isa’t isa (I pray that peace, love, and concern for one another will prevail),” he said.