Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday said the gathering at the EDSA People Power Monument reflects the growing dissatisfaction of Filipinos with the Marcos administration, citing what she described as poor governance, economic hardship, and the suppression of dissent.
The surprise rally, organized by members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), was held in opposition to the planned filing of plunder charges against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, with supporters claiming the allegations are politically motivated.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Tuesday, carrying placards bearing the message: “Wag ikulong ang mga nag-iimbestiga at mga kurakot ang kasuhan.”
In a statement, Duterte said the demonstration echoed the concerns she has consistently raised over the past two years.
“The people gathered in EDSA today reflect a growing sentiment that I have consistently expressed since 2024,” she said.
The vice president criticized the administration for allegedly failing to address the country’s pressing issues while many Filipinos continue to struggle with inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.
“This administration has been defined by poor governance and its failure to acknowledge and address the country’s real problems. While countless of our kababayans struggle with rising prices, job insecurity, and the increasing cost of daily life, the President has remained detached from the hardships confronting Filipinos,” she said.
Duterte also accused the administration of using the justice system to silence critics instead of addressing public concerns.
“Instead of confronting these challenges with solutions, the administration has chosen to silence dissent under the guise of accountability. It has weaponized the justice system by filing cases against and imprisoning individuals who dare speak out against alleged corruption and abuses in Malacañang, question the administration’s competence, or criticize the President, including allegations concerning his drug use.”
She said these actions “raise serious concerns about the state of free expression, democratic accountability, and the shrinking space for legitimate political dissent.”
The vice president further argued that the current political climate threatens democratic institutions.
“The President’s failures of character and leadership have fostered an increasingly oppressive political environment. A government that answers criticism with intimidation undermines the very democratic institutions it is sworn to protect,” she said.
Duterte said the issue extends beyond politics.
“This is no longer a matter of politics. It is a matter of the honor of the State and the future of a people who continue to bear the weight of economic hardship while their voices are increasingly met with repression,” she said.
INC spokesperson Dr. Edwil Zabala clarified that the gathering was not intended to obstruct the rule of law.
“The Iglesia Ni Cristo has released an official statement regarding the ongoing gathering at the EDSA People Power Monument, clarifying that the Church does not support any subversion of the law to cover up corruption,” he said.
Zabala added that the assembly remains committed to its advocacy for “transparency, accountability, justice, and peace for the Filipino people, particularly in connection with alleged government corruption.”
Meanwhile, Malacañang was placed on lockdown Tuesday morning, while President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. canceled all scheduled engagements outside the Palace.
During a press briefing at Malacañang, Palace Press Officer and Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the President respects the decision of members of the INC to hold a surprise rally.
She also said the President does not consider the rally a threat, stressing that it would not prevent him from enforcing the law and carrying out measures he believes are in the country’s best interest.interest of the country.
