Former President Rodrigo Duterte expressed gratitude to the brethren of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) particularly to Eduardo Villanueva Manalo also known as Ka Eduardo, current Executive Minister of INC, saying peace is what the country needs now and not political bickerings.
In a recorded message released on Monday, the former president thanked Manalo and the INC for organizing and mobilizing its members in the nationwide National Rally for Peace on Monday.
“This is what our country needs in these critical times. Not impeachment. Not a waste of government resources. Not self-serving schemes. Not divisive action. We must unite. We must move forward as one. We must serve our people,” Duterte said.
The former president also thanked all the groups and individuals for showing up to be counted all over the country.
“Their participation in the prayer rally shows that they know and care for what is happening in our country today. Amid all the noise, let us be purposeful and ensure the meaningful future of our children and our children’s children. Let us demand what is due to our people. Let there be strong and resolute leadership in our country. Let us all unite under our flag,” Duterte said.
INC had endorsed the former president for president and then-senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for vice president in the 2016 elections.
In 2022, the group also endorsed Marcos for President and Vice President Sara Duterte for the national elections.
In October last year, the former president and Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go visited the Central Office of INC to meet Manalo.
Go shared details of the meeting on his Facebook account, lauding the INC’s commitment to public service.
