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INC: No call for govt downfall Day 1 of Luneta prayer rally vs. corruption draws 650k crowd
By Pot Chavez, Charles Dantes, and Rio N. Araja
T
HE Iglesia ni Cristo’s leadership said its 3-day rally, which began yesterday, is not intended to unseat the incumbent administration, but rather is a call for concrete action against rampant corruption in the government. INC general evangelist Bienvenido Santiago Jr. set the tone for the rally as he told a mammoth crowd of 650,000 at the at the Quirino Grandstand that their protest targets only dirty government officials.
“We want it to be clear to all... we are not seeking the downfall of our government as an institution. What we want is the downfall of corruption and to promote a government that is true to
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 275 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025
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Ex-generals, pro-Dutertes hold own rally
Palace assures security enough against threats
By Rex Espiritu and Vince Lopez
By Charles Dantes
THE United People’s Initiative (UPI) yesterday urged the Marcos Administration to satisfactorily address allegations of widespread corruption in the government “within a reasonable and clearly defined period,” while challenging those involved in anomalies to resign. During a rally at the People’s Power monument in EDSA, the group, composed mainly of retired military and police officers, said President Marcos should consider resigning if he fails to restore the supposedly eroded public trust in his leadership, even while it stopped short of setting a deadline for such an action. Among them was former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who told reporters during the rally that many retired and active-duty military officers are dismayed by the current state of corruption. He was joined at the event by former Philippine Coast Guard com-
MALACAÑANG assured the public on Sunday that security preparations around the Palace are sufficient amid the ongoing 3-day rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), as authorities implemented temporary gate closures and tightened perimeter controls. In an interview with DZBB, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro said security units have taken “enough” precautionary steps, including selective gate closures and increased police deployment, to prevent disturbances. “I think the preparations they’re making are enough. Whatever gate they open, I think that’s enough to provide protection to prevent trouble,” Castro said. She noted that the measures aim to protect not only Malacañang but also nearby residents, workers, and businesses. “It’s not only Malacañang that’s being protected here. There are many people who could be dragged in… In the past, other people and establishments were dragged in,” she said.
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CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY. Over half a million people jam the Rizal Park, top photo, on the first
day of a three-day anti-corruption rally called by the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC). Photos below, clockwise, Armed Forces chief Romeo Brawner, Jr. speaking to troops at a prayer rally in Camp Aguinaldo, while barricades block the entrance to the main road at Mendiola Bridge leading to Malacanang Palace. Bottom left photo shows rallyists led by retired officers at the EDSA People Power monument. Manila City Hall, AFP, Norman Cruz, Edd Castro.
Evangelical churches won’t take to the streets By Katrina Manubay THE Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the constitutional order, distancing itself from the planned three-day political rallies, and urged the public to refrain from engaging in activities that could destabilize the government. In a pastoral statement released on Saturday, Nov. 15, the PCEC emphasized its support for thorough, impartial investigations conducted strictly within the
bounds of the law “to ensure that facts and evidence are given precedence.” “We uphold the importance of constitutional order and do not endorse any attempt to forcibly remove the elected President. It is essential that all citizens recognize and respect the authority vested in the Constitution and seek reform through peaceful and lawful means,” the PCEC said. The Council also encouraged individuals with relevant information or allegations—including whistleblowers—to come forward with clear and
8 OF 10 RICHEST PROVINCES NEAR METRO MANILA BUSINESS / B1
PNP STEPS UP CYBER PATROLS VS. TROLLS NEWS / A4
verifiable evidence, noting that all claims must undergo due process and proper examination. The message came after former House Appropriations Committee chairman and resigned Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who remains out of the country, made disturbing allegations against President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and his allies linked to the flood control corruption scandal. Co broke his silence through a series of social media videos ahead of the Next page
Supreme Court orders suspension of work today THE Supreme Court has announced the suspension of court operations until today in areas that might be affected by traffic due to the three-day rally of the Iglesia ni Cristo in Manila. The Supreme Court, located at the corner of Padre Faura Street and Taft Avenue in Ermita, Manila will maintain a skeleton workforce for the Docket Receiving Section of the Judicial Records Office and Cash Collection and Disbursement Division of the
Fiscal Management and Budget Office while the rest of its employees will work from home. Employees of the Court of Appeals in Orosa Street, Ermita, will also work from home except for a small workforce at the One-Stop Processing Center, Finance Offices, General Services Division, and Medical Division. The same goes for the Sandiganbayan along Commonwealth Avenue, Next page
ICI to probe Mandaue flood control projects THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has launched an investigation into flood control projects in Cebu Province following the widespread flooding triggered by Typhoon Tino, which struck the Visayas earlier this month. ICI Special Adviser Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Sunday led an inspection of flood control structures in barangays Tabok and Alang-Alang in Mandaue
City, where severe flooding occurred after the Butuanon River overflowed, displacing hundreds of residents. The team also inspected similar projects in Talisay City, Cebu City, and the municipality of Compostela. Joining the inspection were Public Works Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, AFP General Ariel Caculitan, and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who also serves as lead convenor of
the Mayors for Good Governance coalition. Azurin said the ICI will continue its nationwide review of flood control projects to promote transparency and hold accountable those implicated in alleged irregularities. According to GMA Integrated News, the commission is coordinating closely with the Department Next page