Iglesia ni Cristo rally enters Day 2 amid Marcoleta's looming plunder case

MANILA, Philippines — Local religious sect Iglesia ni Cristo continued its protest on its second day in support of one of its most prominent members in politics, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, after thousands of members gathered on EDSA a day earlier.

The protest began early Tuesday, June 30, when INC members gathered near the EDSA Shrine without a permit.

The rally was held a day after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Office of the Ombudsman may file plunder charges against Marcoleta this week over alleged campaign donations during the 2025 elections.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Quezon City government granted INC a permit to hold rallies along White Plains Avenue and Temple Drive from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Quezon City Police District said 15,500 people attended the rally on Tuesday.

The protest was also attended by several political figures, including Sens. Imee Marcos and Alan Peter Cayetano, who belong to the Senate minority bloc with Marcoleta.

Marcoleta case

Ombudsman field investigators earlier recommended the indictment of Marcoleta, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, Joseph Varias Espiritu and Aristotle Viray for plunder and for alleged violation of the law prohibiting public officials from receiving gifts.

Investigators also recommended that Marcoleta be charged with indirect bribery, although Remulla has not said whether that charge would also be filed.

The complaint stemmed from a Commission on Elections investigation into Marcoleta's alleged failure to disclose campaign donations in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures.

According to the Ombudsman's investigation, P75 million in donations was allegedly funneled to Marcoleta within a four-day period in January 2025.

Marcoleta has denied wrongdoing.

INC and politics

INC is known for bloc voting and has historically endorsed candidates for national and local office.

Its protest for Marcoleta comes months after the religious group held "anti-corruption rallies" at the Quirino Grandstand in November 2025 amid public anger over the flood control scandal.

The contrast has drawn attention because Marcoleta now faces a possible plunder case, even as the group had earlier joined calls against corruption.

Several politicians such as Sens. Jinggoy Estrada, Joel Villanueva and Chiz Escudero previously endorsed by INC have also faced corruption or criminal allegations. Some were acquitted or had cases dismissed, while others remain under investigation or detention.

It similarly endorsed Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte for presidency. Arroyo faced plunder and electoral sabotage cases, while Duterte is currently detained in the Hague for crimes against humanity charges.

INC has not issued a new statement explaining whether its support for Marcoleta affects its earlier anti-corruption position.