Approximately 7,000 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) gathered near the Edsa People Power Monument on Tuesday, prompting road closures and traffic congestion in Quezon City. The rally, organized by INC Minister Eraño Codera, serves as a protest in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who may be charged with plunder by the Office of the Ombudsman.
Why the INC is protesting
The INC public demonstration centers on the religious sect’s support for Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a member of the church. According to INC spokesperson Bro. Edwil Zabala, the group rejects what it terms “selective justice” and the “distortion of law.” In a Net 25 livestream, Zabala stated the group is calling for “transparency, accountability, justice, and peace,” aligning the organization’s position with that of the senator.
The protest follows a statement from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who indicated that plunder charges may be filed against Marcoleta this week. The potential case involves P75 million in campaign donations received in January 2025. According to the complaint, these donations included P30 million from former lawmaker Michael Defensor, P25 million from Joseph Espiritu, and P20 million from Aristotle Viray. While Republic Act 7080 sets the threshold for plunder at P50 million, Marcoleta has argued in his counter-affidavit that the donations were not public funds.
Discrepancies in financial declarations
State prosecutors have highlighted a conflict between the reported donations and Marcoleta’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). The complaint alleges that the P75 million was not reflected in the senator’s filings. Records show Marcoleta declared P39.6 million in assets acquired from 1992 through June 30, 2025. However, his December 2025 SALN reportedly listed cash and savings totaling only P16.7 million.
Impact on traffic and local operations
The gathering caused significant disruptions to major thoroughfares, including the closure of White Plains Avenue and sections of the Edsa-Ortigas flyover and service roads. According to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the crowd reached an estimated 7,000 people by 6:45 a.m. on Tuesday.
To manage the flow of vehicles, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) repositioned concrete barriers between the Edsa-Ortigas flyover and the service road, extending up to Gate 4 of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo. This adjustment opened an additional lane, including the bus lane, for private vehicles. As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, some protesters had begun to leave, while others remained on-site with tents and sleeping mats.
What happens next
The protest is scheduled to continue through Wednesday, July 1. The Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety has issued a permit allowing the rally to proceed along White Plains Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Given the ongoing presence of demonstrators and the potential for legal developments regarding the plunder complaint, traffic in the Edsa-Ortigas area may remain affected.
