MANILA, Philippines — While maintaining that the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) rally is not a “political event,” Sagip Rep. Rodante Marcoleta on Monday aired out his sentiments about the impeachment moves against Vice President Sara Dutertesolare, as he defended the country’s second-highest official.

At first, Marcoleta—a prominent INC lawmaker and Duterte supporter—echoed the church members’ call for unity and peace during their “National Rally of Peace” held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Monday.

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He likewise reiterated INC’s appeal for the government to implement effective and orderly service, and solve poverty, which he claimed “was worsened by the corruption calamities, criminality, and conflict in politics, among others.”

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After this, he mentioned the religious organization’s support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s opposition to the impeachment of Duterte.

The group said Thursday its Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corporation (MIESCOR) inked an agreement with Terra Solar Philippines, Inc. (TSPI), where the former is tasked to design and construct the infrastructure that would link the plant to the grid.

By the closing bell, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) shed 0.41 percent, or 30.44 points, to 7,428.30.

“Not only is this (impeachment) a waste of the government’s time but it will also hinder the resolution of the country’s many major problems such as high commodity prices, low-quality education, infrastructure, medical services, criminality, security, and others,” Marcoleta said in his speech during the rally.

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“Advancing the impeachment will only end up in losing, taking sides, not only of the people but also of the government officials. When the country is troubled the people are poor,” he added.

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The lawmaker then mentioned the House or Representatives quad committee’s probe into illegal drugs, illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (Pogos), and alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the previous administration.

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He questioned the process of the mega panel in handling testimonies heard during the previous hearings, which he claimed led to the conflict among government officials.

Moreover, he also mentioned the committee on good government and public accountability’s probe into the alleged misuse of confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education under Duterte’s watch.

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For its part, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) insisted that the peace rally it conducted in defense of Duterte was not political.

INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala said this after he was asked whether the “National Rally for Peace” held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila was political, given that it was essentially held in defense of the vice president.

“It’s a question of perspective; it’s a question of opinion. Basta sa amin, hindi siya political (For us, it wasn’t political),” said Zabala in an interview with reporters after the rally.

“It’s very practical. Magpatawaran tayo, magkaisa tayo, magkaroon tayo ng kapayapaan (Let us forgive one another, unite, and achieve peace). It takes work, but if we’re all willing to go back to those basic principles, decency, in our relationship with each other. Hopefully, things are gonna get better,” he added.

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The INC peace rally was simultaneously held in several cities nationwide. Over 1.5 million of its members attended the event.solare

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