Retired Philippine Air Force Gen. Romeo Poquiz warned that next week’s nationwide “prayer rallies,” including those led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), could escalate into another EDSA-style uprising that might threaten the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“That is a possibility. But that is beyond our control already,” Poquiz said in a TV interview, referring to the potential unrest similar to the two previous EDSA revolutions — one of which ousted the President’s father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The INC will hold a three-day prayer rally at Rizal Park in Manila from November 16 to 18, calling for transparency and accountability in government. The group notably backed Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections.
Poquiz said up to two million participants were expected at the INC-led event, while his organization, the United People’s Initiative, would hold a separate gathering along EDSA on November 16.
He denied any involvement in alleged coup plots, saying, “Any threats of coup d’état or even may mga lumalabas pa ng mga junta, hindi kami kasama doon.”
According to Poquiz, the demonstrations are intended as a “peaceful expression of grievances” over government corruption.
However, he admitted managing massive crowds could be difficult: “Kung isang milyon, dalawang milyon mga tao na ’yan, hindi mo na makokontrol ’yung mga ibang tao. But us as leaders, we are focused on the corruption issue.”