Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) Spokesperson Edwil Zabala addressed several questions regarding the controversial revelation made by Senator Imee Marcos about the alleged illegal drug use of her brother, President Bongbong Marcos, during the second and final day of the “Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy” held on November 17 (Monday) at Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila.
Following this, the INC released an official statement announcing that they would not proceed with the originally planned third day of the rally, stating that they had already conveyed their message to the government.
On Net 25’s program “Sa Ganang Mamamayan,” Zabala shared the official statement from the religious organization regarding the conclusion of the rally.
He explained that on November 13, INC formally announced the rally to highlight public calls for a proper and transparent investigation into anomalous flood control projects in the Philippines.
Due to the swift and extensive media coverage, both local and international, Zabala said there was no need to extend the rally to a third day, as their objectives—to call for justice, transparency, and peace—had been achieved.
The INC expressed gratitude to the media, Philippine National Police (PNP), the local government of Manila, and the national government for helping deliver their message and ensuring a peaceful and orderly event.
They also thanked members who attended the two-day rally, responding to the leadership’s call to amplify public demand for the government to immediately address widespread corruption affecting both the economy and the country’s international standing.
Zabala emphasized that such activities are a fundamental right of citizens: to express themselves and gather peacefully.
“From the start, the INC stressed that we oppose acts contrary to the Constitution. We began peacefully, and we also ended peacefully. All glory is returned to God,” he concluded.
During the program, Zabala answered questions from the hosts. When asked about participants who were not INC members but still spoke in front of members, he said:
“Maganda pong naitanong ‘yan. Ang totoo, ‘yong sagot diyan, nakapaloob doon sa unang press release na inilabas ng Iglesia tungkol sa kilusang ito, at nais ko lamang ipaalaala sa mga nanonood sa atin, noon din pong Nobyembre 13, sinabi na namin na ang mga hindi kaanib sa Iglesia ni Cristo na ang nais sabihin ay kaisa po ng panawagan namin, tatanggapin.”
He added, “Alam ito ng lahat ng mga nagpasabing nais nilang sumama at magsalita sa rally dahil napakahalaga po ng ipinanawagan ng mga nagtitipon doon… ‘yong justice, accountability, transparency at maging ‘yong peace. Gano’n din, upang matiyak po na walang ipananawagang labag sa Konstitusyon.”
When asked about Senator Imee’s remarks, Zabala said:
“Napakagandang katanungan, at palagay ko kailangan kong i-address ‘yong kasagutan pong ‘yan sa mga nanonood sa atin.”
He explained, “Pinag-uusapan naman po, pinag-usapan naman po ni Senadora at ng organizers ng rally na hanggang sa ikalawang araw, ‘yon pa rin naman po ang ipananawagan ng rally: justice, accountability, transparency, at peace. Labas sa pinag-usapan ang sinabi ni Senadora.”
“Pero no’ng narinig natin, pinabayaan natin dahil ang tema po ng kaniyang sinasabi ay pakikipag-usap, pagpapayo ng isang nakatatandang kapatid sa kaniyang nakababatang kapatid. At bakas po sa sinasabi niya na mahal niya ang kaniyang kapatid. At hindi lamang po iyon, mahal din po ni Senadora ang kaniyang bayan,” he added.
Zabala’s final message to rally participants:
“Sa lahat po ng mga Kapatid na dumalo, maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Marami po ang napagod, pero sa kabila no’n ay masigla pa rin po sa pakikilahok. Napatunayan natin na kahit mainitan o maulanan tayo, handa tayong iparinig ang boses natin alang-alang sa mga hindi pinakikinggan, at alang-alang po sa mga naaapi.”
As of now, Senator Imee’s camp has not issued any reaction, response, or statement regarding the rally.