The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) concluded its anti-corruption rally at the Quirino Grandstand on Monday, November 17, one day earlier than planned.
INC spokesperson Ka Edwil Zabala explained that the decision was made because participants were already exhausted and the rally had fulfilled its objectives.
“It did not need three days to achieve the goal of sending the message that we are calling for justice, accountability, transparency, and peace,” Zabala said.
Orginally scheduled from November 16 to 18, the protest was shortened after INC leaders emphasized that their movement sought decisive action against corruption, not the downfall of the current administration.
On the rally’s opening day, INC General Evangelist Bienvenido Santiago Jr. clarified this stance: “Gusto naming maging maliwanag sa lahat, hindi po natin hinahangad ang pagbagsak ng ating pamahalaan bilang institusyon…Ang nais natin ay ang pagbagsak ng katiwalian. Ang nais natin ay ang pagtataguyod ng isang pamahalaang tapat at makamamamayan.”
He added that corrupt officials should be removed, not the government that safeguards citizens’ freedoms.
Meanwhile, INC members rejected circulating claims on social media that participants were paid ₱3,000 to attend the rally.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the crowd peaked at an estimated 550,000 people by 8 p.m. on the second day of the protest. (Hannah Nicol)
