Prayer Rally for Transparency Cut Short
The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) organized a three-day prayer rally from November 16 to 18, 2025, that was unexpectedly cut short on November 17. The event aimed to demand greater transparency and accountability in government investigations and legislation, particularly targeting public officials, contractors, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel involved in various anomalies.
Focus on Government Accountability and Infrastructure Failures
The rally highlighted critical issues affecting the Philippines, including ghost projects, substandard infrastructure, and systemic deficiencies that became glaringly evident during recent natural disasters. Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and landslides exposed how these failures directly endanger public safety.
Speakers from INC emphasized themes of integrity, responsible fund management, and governmental responsiveness to citizens. They stressed that transparency and accountability aren't optional but fundamental moral and civic obligations, especially when lives are at risk due to administrative failures.
Political Appearances Overshadow Core Message
The rally's original purpose became overshadowed when political figures took the stage, including Senator Rodante Marcoleta (an INC member) and Senator Imee Marcos, along with other Duterte-aligned politicians. Senator Marcos surprised many by making what appeared to be a pledge of loyalty to her brother, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.
While high expectations were placed on Senator Marcoleta due to his INC membership, critics noted that his political actions haven't consistently reflected the virtues of clarity and goodness he endorsed during the rally. Instead of fostering deeper discourse about meaningful reform, the political appearances were perceived as tactics that ultimately detracted from the prayer rally's primary objectives.
The early conclusion of what was planned as a sustained civic action left many observers questioning whether the opportunity for genuine reform advocacy had been compromised by political maneuvering.
