The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) protest entered its third day on Thursday, July 2, 2026, with the rally moving from the People Power Monument in Quezon City to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
Protest in Support of Senator Marcoleta
The demonstrations are being held in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, an INC member who is facing possible plunder charges over alleged campaign donations totaling P75 million during the 2025 election period. The INC said the protest seeks transparency, accountability, justice and peace, claiming the Marcos administration is attempting to divert public attention from the investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Permit Revoked by Quezon City Government
The Quezon City Government initially issued the INC a permit for the July 2 rally. However, it revoked the permit on Wednesday evening, July 1, citing the “severe difficulties being experienced by the general public” due to the protest and complaints from commuters and residents.
Traffic Disruptions and Police Measures
Heavy traffic snarled major roads after the INC staged a lightning rally at the People Power Monument on Tuesday, June 30. Protesters at one point attempted to block the northbound lanes of Edsa with buses, nearly paralyzing traffic along the major thoroughfare.
Crowd Estimate and Security Measures
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, the Manila Public Information Office estimated the crowd at Liwasang Bonifacio at around 5,000. Liwasang Bonifacio is a designated freedom park, where permits are not required for peaceful assemblies. In anticipation of the rally, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso suspended classes at all levels in both public and private schools and ordered the temporary closure of several roads. Philippine National Police (PNP) acting chief Colonel Allen Rae Co said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) remains under full alert, while the alert status in the rest of the country has been downgraded from full alert to heightened alert.
Security Preparations Near Malacañang
At Ayala Bridge, one of the routes leading to Malacañang, police installed barbed wire and positioned container vans to prevent protesters from moving beyond the rally site.
Background on Senator Marcoleta and Flood Control Investigation
Marcoleta previously chaired the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which conducted an inquiry into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. The investigation stemmed from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to conduct an in-depth probe into alleged anomalies in flood control projects following the widespread flooding caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and successive typhoons in 2025.
Testimonies and Allegations
Among the witnesses presented by Marcoleta during a Blue Ribbon Committee hearing was Orly Guteza, who identified himself as a former security aide of Ako Bicol Party-list representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. Guteza alleged that he had been tasked with delivering suitcases containing millions of pesos in cash to former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez.
Guteza’s testimony was followed by the emergence of 18 other self-identified former security personnel of Co. The group, dubbed the “18 bagmen,” alleged that they delivered cash in suitcases and paper bags to several lawmakers and other public officials. The allegations have been denied by those implicated and remain unproven.
Change in Senate Leadership
Following the change in Senate leadership last year, Marcoleta was removed as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee and replaced by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.
