A coalition of civil society organizations, church leaders, and sectoral groups has expressed concerns over the use of public assemblies to influence legal proceedings involving elected officials.
The coalition, led by Tindig Pilipinas, released a joint statement questioning the rally led by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City, citing the need for accountability determined by evidence and the independence of institutions, rather than the size of a public official's following.
The coalition respects the constitutional rights to freedom of religion, expression, and peaceful assembly but argues that mass mobilizations should not be used to pressure authorities or cast doubt on the impartial enforcement of the law.
The rally was staged in support of Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta, who faces a plunder case over his alleged failure to declare about P75 million in campaign contributions.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s scheduled launch of a Manila Bay cleanup vessel and a luncheon with foreign correspondents were cancelled due to the rally, which also caused disruptions including heavy traffic, inconvenience to commuters, and the deployment of government resources to maintain public order.
The coalition cited the EDSA People Power Monument as a symbol of truth, justice, democratic accountability, and the rule of law, and argued that it should not be used to provide political cover for officials facing corruption allegations.
The Philippine National Police stated that organizers had not secured a permit before the gathering, but the Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety said it met with INC representatives and the city's law and order cluster before signing a memorandum authorizing the rally.
The agency head said the permit covers Wednesday's gathering from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and that authorities would suspend the rally only if it poses risks to public safety or security.
The coalition also urged authorities to pursue impartial investigations into all officials implicated in corruption, including those linked to flood control anomalies, regardless of political affiliation.
