A coalition of civil society organizations, religious leaders, political parties, and democracy advocates has strongly criticized the recent Iglesia ni Cristo (INC)-led gathering along EDSA in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, arguing that the historic People Power site should never be used to protect politicians facing legal scrutiny.
In a strongly worded statement released Wednesday, Tindig Pilipinas and more than 30 supporting organizations said the issue goes far beyond the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Instead, the group argued that the rally raises serious questions about whether public demonstrations are being used to influence ongoing legal processes and shield public officials from accountability.
“Why should any politician need tens of thousands of people to defend him against a legal investigation?” the coalition asked.
The statement comes after thousands of INC members gathered near the EDSA People Power Monument to express support for Marcoleta amid allegations that he failed to declare ₱75 million in campaign contributions.
‘No One Should Be Above the Law’
Tindig Pilipinas stressed that in a functioning democracy, public officials should answer allegations through independent legal institutions—not through political displays of strength.
“Accountability is not determined by the size of one’s following but by the strength of the evidence and the independence of our institutions,” the group said.
While emphasizing that every Filipino has the constitutional rights to freedom of religion, expression, and peaceful assembly, the coalition said those rights should never be used to undermine the justice system.
According to the statement, the concern is not that the rally was held on EDSA, but that it was organized primarily to defend a politician who is facing legal questions.
The coalition warned that such actions could erode public confidence in the rule of law by creating the perception that justice is influenced by political or organizational power rather than evidence.
Protecting the Legacy of EDSA
The organizations also urged Filipinos to remember the historical significance of EDSA, describing it as more than just a public road or protest venue.
For the coalition, EDSA remains a symbol of the Filipino people’s struggle for democracy, truth, accountability, and resistance against abuse of power.
They argued that using the site to rally behind politicians accused of wrongdoing contradicts the very ideals that People Power represents.
The statement further expressed concern over the participation of political figures whom the coalition said have long been associated in public discourse with allegations of corruption, abuse of authority, historical revisionism, and attacks on democratic institutions.
According to the group, such alliances only reinforce public perceptions that the gathering was intended to protect political allies rather than defend constitutional freedoms.
Religious Freedom Must Not Influence Justice
The coalition acknowledged the important role of religious organizations in public life and affirmed that they have every right to participate in national conversations.
However, it stressed that no religious, political, civic, or private institution should use its influence to pressure or interfere with the impartial administration of justice.
“Democracy requires that every citizen and every public official stand equal before justice,” the statement said.
Public Pays the Price
Beyond the political implications, the coalition also pointed to the practical consequences of the mass gathering.
It noted that the large-scale mobilization resulted in heavy traffic congestion, public inconvenience, and the diversion of government security and public safety resources.
According to the coalition, such disruptions must serve a compelling public purpose—and protecting politicians from legal accountability does not meet that standard.
Call for Equal Accountability
Tindig Pilipinas reiterated its call for impartial investigations into all allegations of corruption, including the reported flood control anomalies and other pending cases, regardless of political affiliation.
The coalition emphasized that investigations should proceed whether those involved are associated with the Marcos administration, the Duterte camp, the opposition, or any other political bloc.
“Justice loses its legitimacy when it becomes selective, and democracy is weakened whenever accountability becomes partisan,” the statement read.
Appeal to the Public
The coalition concluded by urging Filipinos to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts to exploit public faith, democratic symbols, and popular support to protect powerful individuals from legal accountability.
It called on citizens to reject divisive narratives that weaken the rule of law and to preserve the spirit of EDSA as a symbol of truth, justice, democratic accountability, and the principle that no one is above the law.
The statement was signed by Tindig Pilipinas, Akbayan Party, Liberal Party, Magdalo Party, 1Sambayan, Fr. Robert Reyes, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, and dozens of other civil society organizations, youth groups, and religious leaders.