President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. rejected the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s (INC) allegation that his administration is practicing “selective justice,” following the religious group’s protest along EDSA in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
Speaking to reporters before departing for his official visit to Canada, Marcos said the INC was entitled to its opinion but disagreed with its accusation.
“They have their opinion. I believe they are wrong,” the President said.
The INC earlier released a video message saying thousands of its members gathered along Metro Manila’s busiest thoroughfare to protest what it described as “selective justice,” amid the expected filing of plunder charges against Marcoleta, a member of the religious organization.
Despite the demonstration, Marcos said he was confident leaving the country, citing the INC’s history of conducting peaceful protests.
“For me, the main concern was that someone might get hurt. Ang problema lang namin ay may impormasyon na baka may mang-infiltrate, may mang-agitate at iyon ang inaalala namin,” Marcos said.
“Ang pinakaimportante sa amin ay walang masaktan, taga-Iglesia man o sino mang mapunta roon,” he added.
The protest began early Tuesday, with demonstrators criticizing the government’s alleged plan to arrest Marcoleta.
INC spokesperson Edwin Zabala reiterated the church’s support for the senator and questioned the plunder charges that the Office of the Ombudsman earlier announced it intends to file against him.
