Thousands from Philippine religious sect protest senator's looming arrest, disrupt traffic

Thousands of members from the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) religious sect converged on a major Manila thoroughfare Tuesday, snarling rush-hour traffic for kilometers. The massive demonstration was a show of solidarity for Senator Rodante Marcoleta, an INC member and ally of Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing imminent arrest on graft charges.

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As of now, the crowd count is 8,000 and we are expecting that this will increase.

The charges against Marcoleta are tied to his election campaign funds, specifically an alleged failure to declare 75 million pesos (US$1.2 million) in unused contributions. The INC, a historically powerful voting bloc with strong ties to the Duterte political dynasty, views Marcoleta as a crucial ally. He is widely expected to vote against convicting Duterte in her upcoming impeachment trial, which is set to begin next week.

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The event has caused massive traffic this morning, especially to people who are going to work or to school.

Police reported that the crowd had reached 8,000 and was expected to grow. The rally significantly impacted daily commutes, with only bus lanes remaining passable. INC spokesman Edwil Zabala stated in a video message that the group was demanding transparency and justice. "We want to make it heard by those in authority that even if they imprison Senator Marcoleta, we will not stop demanding justice," Zabala said. "We want to let them know that selective justice is an injustice and we will not remain silent."

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We want to make it heard by those in authority that even if they imprison Senator Marcoleta, we will not stop demanding justice.

This protest follows a pattern of INC mobilization. In November, the sect rallied hundreds of thousands to protest a flood control scandal. Last January, a large demonstration opposed the impeachment of Vice President Duterte, who has since had a significant falling out with President Ferdinand Marcos. The House of Representatives impeached Duterte again last month, and her trial in the Senate, where 16 votes are needed for conviction, begins July 6. President Marcos canceled a planned luncheon with the foreign press to monitor the situation.

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We want to let them know that selective justice is an injustice and we will not remain silent.