Duterte Calls for Unity After INC’s Peace Rally
RODRIGO DUTERTE – The former president expressed his gratitude to the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and its Executive Minister, Eduardo Manalo, for organizing the “National Rally for Peace” on Monday, which drew an impressive 1.5 million participants at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
In a video message, Duterte highlighted the importance of unity in the country, especially in critical times, stating, “This is what our country needs. Not impeachment. Not a waste of government resources. Not self-serving schemes. Not divisive actions. We must unite. We must move forward as one.”
The INC had earlier supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s stance against the possible impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. The organization emphasized that the rally was not aimed at intimidating lawmakers seeking to impeach the Vice President, who is seen as a potential candidate for the 2028 presidential elections.
Duterte acknowledged the attendees of the peace rally, praising their genuine concern and commitment to the nation’s future. He urged Filipinos to focus on building a meaningful future for the next generations and to demand strong leadership for the country. “Let us all unite under our flag!” he emphasized.
During his presidency, Duterte appointed Manalo as the special envoy for overseas Filipino concerns, and this role was continued by President Marcos in 2023. INC had endorsed Duterte’s 2016 presidential campaign, and he is currently running for Davao City mayor in the upcoming May elections.
In addition to the rally in Manila, a similar event took place in Davao City, where local officials, including mayoral candidate Karlo Nograles, also participated. Nograles expressed his belief in the power of unity to bring peace and progress. The Davao City Police estimated the crowd at over 320,000 attendees. Fortunately, there were no major incidents, though around 200 individuals required medical attention for exhaustion and dizziness.